Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How long will it take to teach Energy, Machines and Motion?
Answer: The unit Energy, Machines and Motion is designed to be taught over a typical semester. The unit is divided into three sections. The first section covers energy transformations and forces. The second part covers simple machines; the third part covers the topic of motion.
Question: I opened my kit when it arrived and I noticed boxes of K’NEX® pieces. What do I do with all of these pieces?
Answer: There are a variety of cars, carts and pulleys that students will build in this unit. Appendix D of the Teacher’s Guide provides a valuable resource for the construction of each of these units. The guide will tell you how many of each unit you will need along with the types of pieces necessary to build each structure along with the Lesson it will be used.
Question: In Lesson Three and Four the Teacher’s Guide states I need to discharge the rechargeable batteries. How long will this take? How can you discharge these safely?
Answer: Appendix C in the Teacher’s Guide gives two strategies to discharge batteries. The first strategy is to rotate the batteries in the flashlights provided in the unit several times. This will take around two days. The other strategy is to short circuit the batteries with a battery holder and insulated wire.
Question: How long will it take to teach each Lesson?
Answer: Each lesson varies in length. Some lessons will take two days, some lessons may have two or three inquires will take 3-5 days to complete.
Question: There are many lessons where students need data from a prior lesson; this data was kept on student sheets. What is a good way to keep track of all of this information?
Answer: Energy, Machine and Motion is designed to have students keep a student notebook. Many teachers have “pasted in” student sheets. You can create a tab on the side of Student Sheets and paste them into the notebook. Other teachers have had students glue the data sheets right on top notebook pages.
Question: My students are having difficulties with their motors, what are some ideas to get them to work better?
Answer: Sometimes if you twist gently on the shaft you can get the motor to work. Make sure students have their batteries in proper alignment.
Question: My students had a difficult time with their fan cars, any suggestions?
Answer: Sometimes the cars move very slowly. This is usually caused by too much friction on the axles of the vehicles. Have students take off the wheels and put them back on. The other problem students face is the vehicle will travel in a straight line for a few feet then veer to the left or right. Again taking off the wheels with small adjustments will usually fix the problem.
Question: My students have a difficult time setting up the three pulley systems in Lesson 12. How can I help them be more successful?
Answer: Some teachers make a photocopy of the three pulley systems. Students can paste this into their notebooks. They can then circle or highlight where the string is attached to the pulley. You might also want to have one student steady the pulley system while they are using it. The pulley will list to the side and cause the strings to come off. A steady hand will alleviate this tilting.