Glencoe Science Level BlueUnit 6:
Motion, Forces, and EnergyDissect ClocksProject Type: Technology
Have the students learn about how the gears function in a clock by taking an old clock apart. Encourage the students to observe how the clock functions when they manually move the gears. Have the students draw a diagram the inside of the clock and how the different pieces move in relation to one another. The students can create a flowchart showing how their clock functions and share it with the class. Student Task:
Break up into small groups: - One clock per group
- Open the back of the clock
- Diagram the inside of the clock
- Observe how the pieces move in relation to one another
Create a flowchart that represents the process that takes place inside the clock as the gears turn. In the flowchart, show how the gear position changes with each minute and hour that passes. Also, show the relationship between gear movement and the hands on the clock face. Share your flowchart with the rest of the class and discuss what is happening inside the clock. Time:
It will take one class period to examine the clock and make a flowchart and a second class period to finish the flowchart and present it to the class. Possible Resources:
If a clock isn't available for examination, have students visit these web sites to complete this project. The school library also might contain useful information. How Pendulum Clocks Work
http://science.howstuffworks.com/clock.htm How does a pendulum clock work?
http://library.thinkquest.org/C0118228/workclock.htm A Walk through Time
http://physics.nist.gov/GenInt/Time/revol.html Inside a wind up alarm clock
http://home.howstuffworks.com/inside-clock.htm Clock Design
http://www.noah.org/science/clock/ Rubric:  Click here for a rubric to help score this project.
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