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Technology: Engineering Our World
8. Changing technology often results in
changing career opportunities. Think
about the machines described in this
chapter and research how they have
been modified, improved, or built upon
to create new machines through the last
200 years. Write an essay explaining
how these modifications have affected
career opportunities in technology.
9. Search the Internet to find the lubrication
and maintenance specifications for
several large machines. Write a report to
explain your findings. Include answers to
the following questions: What tasks are
necessary to keep the machines running
smoothly? What might happen if the
maintenance schedule is not followed?
(Continued)
1.
ENGINEERING
Go to www.rubegoldberg.com
and look at the examples of some of his
complicated mechanisms that do simple
tasks. Then create your own “Rube
Goldberg” mechanism that will rake
leaves from a lawn or park area and place
them in a bag. Your mechanism must use
all six simple machines at least once.
2.
ENGINEERING
The Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) provides guidelines
for wheelchair ramps in public buildings.
According to the ADA, ramp slopes
should be between 1:16 and 1:20. The ramp
should be at least 36 inches wide, and
level landings must be provided at both
ends. The landings must be at least as
wide as the ramp and a minimum of
60 inches long. If two or more ramps are
used together, the landings between the
ramps must be at least 60 inches × 60 inches.
Using these guidelines, design a ramp
to allow wheelchair access to a theater
stage that is 8 feet high. Create dimensioned
working drawings to show the specifics
of your design.
STEMIntegrated
Curriculum
Science
Technology
Mathematics
Engineering