Students investigate how six simple machines change force, distance, and motion, then collaboratively design, CAD-model, build, and document a device that reliably lifts a standard marble at least 6 inches and returns it safely to the start. Teams calculate mechanical advantage, use trial data and a simple machine-learning model to predict performance, and refine materials, mechanisms, and a low-impact catcher through repeated testing, peer critique, and feedback from engineers, machinists, makerspace mentors, and family experts. A final performance check asks teams to demonstrate the lift, explain design tradeoffs and mechanical advantage, and answer teacher questions before making final revisions. At a Simple Machines Launch Pad exhibition, students share their device and portfolio, then reflect orally and in writing on their learning, contributions, collaboration, persistence, problem solving, and confidence.

Students will explain how six simple machines change force, distance, or direction and calculate mechanical advantage to select a design that lifts a 16.35 mm marble at least 152 mm and returns it reliably. Teams will collaboratively plan, model in CAD, build, test, and revise a safe mechanical or electromechanical system, using trial evidence to improve reliability and reduce collision forces at the catcher. Students will use measured test data to develop a simple machine-learning model that predicts performance, then evaluate design tradeoffs with feedback from peers, parents, engineers, machinists, and makerspace mentors. At the Simple Machines Launch Pad, students will demonstrate their device, defend their machine choice and calculations, answer questions, and reflect in writing and orally on their problem solving, collaboration, persistence, confidence, and individual contributions.

Teams will create a design brief comparing all six simple machines, select a mechanism, and produce a shared project plan, labeled CAD model, materials list, and mechanical-advantage calculations. Throughout prototyping, they will maintain a photo-based engineering log with trial data on lift height, return reliability, force, failures, peer or community-mentor feedback, targeted revisions, and a simple machine-learning model that predicts trial success from selected design variables. The final product is a safe, refined device that lifts a 16.35 mm marble at least 6 inches and reliably returns it to the start, supported by a portfolio page with build evidence, real-world examples, math, videos, and individual reflections. Teams will rehearse the performance check, revise after teacher questioning, and present the working lift and oral reflections to peers, parents, engineers, machinists, and makerspace mentors at the Simple Machines Launch Pad.

Stage six rapid demonstration stations—wedge, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, screw, and pulley—where students observe and record how each changes force, distance, or direction. Reveal a working marble lift, test whether it raises a 16.35 mm marble at least 6 inches and returns it reliably, then introduce a controlled failure for teams to diagnose. Teams compare machine options, predict which will provide the best mechanical advantage, and sketch an initial design while considering materials, safety, and performance tradeoffs. Conclude with local engineers, machinists, makerspace mentors, or parents sharing examples and posing the challenge: How can we build, test, and refine a reliable simple-machine marble lift?

Host a “Simple Machines Launch Pad” where teams demonstrate their marble lifts for peers, parents, local engineers, machinists, and makerspace mentors. At each station, teams run a reliability test, explain their machine choice and mechanical advantage, show their portfolio evidence, and answer questions about design tradeoffs. Visitors provide brief feedback on performance, clarity, and craftsmanship, while the teacher completes the final performance check. Each student closes with a short oral reflection describing how their understanding changed and how they contributed to the team.