Based on the book by David Macaulay, this high-interest course dives into the physics of how everyday objects work -- showing us how the technology that seems magical is really man’s engineering working with God’s design.
Special Notes: This is Part One of a 2-part course. Students are expected to sign up for Part Two.
Total Classes: 14
Duration: 45 minutes
Prerequisite: None
Suggested Grade Level: 6th to 9th grade
Suggested Credit: One full semester Science, Engineering, or Basic Physics
Instructor: Inshal Chenet
Instructor Email: inshalj@gmail.com
Course Description: Using David Macaulay’s book, students explore how everyday objects work -- exposing how the technology around us (that seems like magic) is simple physics and man’s engineering working with God’s design. Learn the mechanics of movement, including levers, wheels, gears, pulleys, and more -- and be fascinated by floating, flying, pressure, heat, and nuclear power. Learn everything from doorknobs to sewing machines to computers!
Course Outline
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Class 1: Mechanics of Movement / The Inclined Plane
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Class 2: Levers
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Class 3: Wheels, Gears, Belts
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Class 4: Cams, Cranks & Pulleys
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Class 5: Screws & Rotating Wheels
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Class 6: Springs & Friction
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Class 7: Reviewing for Midterm I
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Class 8: Floating
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Class 9: Flying
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Class 10: Pressure Power
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Class 11: Exploiting Heat
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Class 12: Heat Power
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Class 13: Nuclear Power
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Class 14: Review for Final I
Course Materials: The Way Things Work Now by David Macaulay, ISBN: 978-0544824386. Available from your favorite homeschool vendor or used through BookFinder.com.
Homework: Each week, students will be required to read a selection from the textbook, take a short 10 question quiz, and try to find and examine a machine in their own house that uses the principles talked about in class.
- Teacher: Inshal Chenet