STEM-Maker

Curriculum

Inclined Plane

Turn Any Space Into a STEM Lab

Simple Machines
A STEM-Maker Level 1 Lesson for System Fluency
Educational Objectives

After this lesson, students should be able to understand and

apply the following concepts:
Basic elements of an inclined plane
Relationship between force, horizontal
distance and vertical distance
Calculate mechanical advantage
Construct a model inclined plane
Conduct an authentic assessment of mathematical
predictions and calculations
Intrinsic value of the inclined plane and the ability to transfer that
knowledge to future applications and solutions

Education Standards
Next Generation Science Standards

Common Core Standards

Standards for Technological Literacy

3-5-ETS1-1
3-5-ETS1-2
3-5-ETS1-3

W.5.7
W.5.9
MP.2
MP.4

2.K-2 2.3-5 2.6-8 2.9-12

8.K-2
8.3-5
8.6-8
8.9-12
9.K-2 9.3-5 9.6-8 9.9-12
10.K-2 10.3-5 10.6-8 10.9-12

MS-ETS1-1
MS-ETS1-2
MS-ETS1-3
MS-ETS1-4

HS-ETS1-1
HS-ETS1-2
HS-ETS1-3
HS-ETS1-4

RST.6-8.1
RST.6-8.7
RST.11-12.8
MP.5

WHST.6-8.9
RST.11-12.7
RST.11-12.9
SL.8.5

Welcome
From basic STEM literacies to 3D solid modeling, Rokenbok STEM-MAKER curriculum was created
to help you teach technology, engineering, and design in almost any setting. Rokenboks STEMMaker Curriculum guides fun and engaging hands-on project based challenges, and models the
progression of fluencies mastered by real designers and engineers. Lesson plans are categorized in
three progressive levels for grades 3-12 and align with NGSS and common core state standards.
Progression through these levels builds confidence, a sense of accomplishment setting the
groundwork for a love of learning, creating and making.

System Fluency

Step-by-step, single-solution
projects introduce Rokenbok
materials and how the
system works.

Creative Fluency

Realistic design briefs

challenge the student to
solve a problem based on the
skills learned in Level 1. Students
add their own design creativity
to solve a problem using the
Rokenbok system.

Engineering Fluency

A more advanced design brief

challenges students to design
and build custom parts to
complete a project. Students
use the 3D Virtual Parts
Library and 3D solid modeling
software to adapt and create
their own parts
and tools.

Table of Contents

Level 1 Simple Machines: The Inclined Plane

Introduction

Introduction ............................................................................................................................
Key Terms ..............................................................................................................................
Online Key Search Terms ........................................................................................................
Building Basics with Rokenbok .................................................................................................

Technology and Engineering

Bill of Materials ..................... .................................................................................................

Building an Inclined Plane ........................................................................................................

Science Concepts

What is a Inclined Plane? ..........................................................................................................

Inclined Plane Examples.............................................................................................................

Math Concepts

Calculating Attributes of the Inclined Plane ...............................................................................

STEM Challenges

Building a Skate Park ..............................................................................................................

Assessment

What Have We Learned? .........................................................................................................

1
1
1
2
3
3-4
5
5
6
7
8

Introduction
Introduction

This Level 1 project is designed to introduce your students to one of the six simple machines,
the inclined plane. Students will learn how the inclined plane works by making their own
inclined plane, applying the mathematics behind the inclined plane, as well as learning key
terms related to the subject matter.

Key Terms

Inclined Plane:

Slope between two points, like a ramp for example.

Simple Machine: A device that transmits or modifies force or motion.

Effort:

Force used to move an object over a distance.

Slope:

The difference between the rise over the run in an inclined plane.

Height:

The vertical distance of an inclined plane.

Length of Slope:

The distance of the slope of an inclined plane.

Incline:

Slanted surface that deviates from a horizontal surface.

Online Key Search Terms

simple machines
mechanical advantage
inclined plane
ramps slides boat launch
wheelchair access switchback highway awnings

Building Basics with Rokenbok

You will be using the Rokenbok Education ROK Ed Rover or SnapStack Module for this
project.

Snapping:

Rokenbok building components snap

together for a snug fit. It is easier to snap
pieces together by angling the beam into
the block.
Snapping

Bracing:

Use braces to strengthen any

Rokenbok build. Girders, 2-way
braces, 3-way braces, and corbels are all
commonly used for this purpose.
Bracing

Disassemble:

Always use the Rokenbok key tool when

taking apart pieces. Insert the tab on the
key into the engineered slot on each piece
and twist slightly. This will protect your
fingers and minimize broken pieces.

Disassemble

Take Inventory:

It is recommended to take inventory of all components at the end of each build and
a complete check at the end of the school year. Replacement pieces can be found
online at rokenbok.com/education.

Component Care:

All building components should be cleaned regularly with a mild detergent

and water.

Technology & Engineering

Building an Inclined Plane

Follow the step-by-step instructions to build an inclined plane.

Bill of Materials
12x

Makes one inclined plane.

2x
4x

Build the Base Assembly

Build the Incline Assembly

2x
2x

10x
3x

Technology & Engineering

Building an Inclined Plane

Follow the step-by-step instructions to build an inclined plane.

Build the Incline Assembly

Final Inclined Plane Assembly

Science Concepts
What is an Inclined Plane?

The inclined plane is one of the simple machines. It

was used by ancient builders to lift very heavy
objects to great heights. The Egyptians used the
inclined plane to move the heavy stones for the
Pyramids.

Height
(2 feet)

You can lift a heavy object from the floor to the table,
but this requires more effort even though the distance
is shorter. (Example A) On the other hand, heavy
objects can be lifted by pushing them up an inclined
plane or ramp. (Example B) This requires less effort
than just lifting, but also requires that the object be
moved over a longer distance to reach the
table top. This is how mechanical advantage
is created by using an inclined plane.

Example A

Example B

Length of Slope
(6 feet)

Inclined Plane Examples

Height
(2 feet)

Here are a few of the examples of how the inclined

plane is used in common applications.
Slides

Skate Park

Ramps

Coasters

Roofs

Ski Slopes

Math Concepts
Calculating Attributes of the Inclined Plane

The benefit of the inclined plane is based on a scientific concept called, mechanical advantage. By
using a simple machine, we can make hard work easier and this makes it possible to build things that
we dont have the power to do with just our hands and muscles. The mechanical
advantage of the inclined plane allows heavy loads to be raised to levels that would be difficult or
impossible to do with human strength alone.
Use the formulas below to determine the mechanical advantage of an inclined plane.
Formula: Length of Slope
The length of slope is measured along the diagonal length
of the inclined plane from the lowest point to the highest
point. This is determined by using the math formula known
as the pythagorean theorem which is:

Length of
Slope c 2

a 2+ b 2= c 2
Formula: Height
The height of the inclined plane is simply the measured
distance from the lowest point to the highest point along a
vertical line.
Formula: Mechanical Advantage
We can use mathematical formulas and measurements to
help determine the mechanical advantage of a machine,
including the inclined plane To determine the mechanical
advantage of the inclined plane, (Example A), simply divide
the length of slope by the height.

a2
Height
b2

Length of
Slope
Height

MA = Length of Slope / Height

So for this example:
Length of Slope (6 feet) / Height (2 feet) = MA = 3
Length of Slope
(6 feet)
Height
(2 feet)

Load

Example A

STEM Challenge
What Can You Design?

These STEM Design and Engineering Challenges are designed to introduce you to the inclined
plane and how it can be used to make work easier for many different tasks. Try out the STEM
Design and Engineering Challenge below or design your own project using the inclined plane.

Building a Skate Park

This STEM Challenge is designed to use the

inclined plane that you have built and turn it into
a fun project.
Use your inclined plane to design a cool skate
board ramp that will include other ramps and
jumps.
Use additional Rokenbok building components to
build the skate park and to build a skateboard to
use in your park.
When you have completed your skate park, show
it off to your classmates and let them give it a try.
You may even want to have a competition to see
who can make it through each jump successfully.

Other Uses for the Inclined Plane

The inclined plane is a very useful simple machine. Not only can the mechanical advantage of an
inclined plane be useful in moving heavy loads, it can also be used in many other ways.
Some of these include:

Access ramps for the physically challenged

Chutes and conveyors for manufacturing

Plumes and canals

Assessment
What Have We Learned?
1.

Less effort is required to lift a heavy load when using an inclined plane, but the
____________the load must travel is increased.
a. size
b.
weight
c. diameter
d. length

2.

The inclined plane was used by ancient Egyptian builders to construct what famous landmark?
a.
Suez Canal
b.
Eiffel Tower
c. Pyramids
d.
Great Wall of China

3.

Use the information below to determine the mechanical advantage

of the inclined plane.
Length of Slope
a.
MA = 24
(8 feet)
b.
MA = 2.67
c.
MA = .375
d.
MA = 11

Height
(3 feet)

Mechanical Advantage of an Inclined Plane

MA = Length of Slope / Height
MA = ________

4.

Which of the following examples is not an inclined plane?

a.
boat ramp
b.
slip and slide
c.
merry go round
d.
ski slope

5.
Which math formula is used to find the length of slope of an inclined plane?

a.
(x + y = z)
b. 2pr
a 2+ b 2= c 2
c.

d.
length of slope/height

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