Lesson Focus

Lesson focuses on brakes, force, and friction, using bicycle rim brakes to demonstrate basic braking mechanisms to stop, slow, or prevent motion.

Download:

Full Lesson Plan
Student Worksheets

Translated Lessons:

Age Levels:

8 – 18

Objectives

  • Learn about braking systems.
  • Learn about force and friction.
  • Learn about the interaction between different materials.
  • Learn about teamwork and the engineering problem solving/design process.

Anticipated Learner Outcomes

As a result of this activity, students should develop an understanding of:

  • force and friction
  • brakes
  • impact of engineering and
  • technology on society
  • engineering problem solving
  • teamwork

Lesson Activities

Students learn about how basic rim bicycle brakes work, and discuss force and friction. Students work in teams to experience a simple braking system using three different materials, they discuss advantages of each, develop recommend changes to improve bicycle braking systems, and present to class.

Resources/Materials

  • Teacher Resource Documents (attached)
  • Student Resource Sheets (attached)
  • Student Worksheet (attached)

Alignment to Curriculum Frameworks

Curriculum alignment sheet is included in PDF.