for Educators

Erie Canal Simple Machine Challenge

Grades 4-8 | Simple Machines to the rescue! It’s time to clear the path to make way for the Erie Canal, but we need your team to build a “stump puller.”

  • Museum & Science Center
  • Engineering Design Lab
  • 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade
  • Engineering & Design, Physical Sciences, Technology & Applications of Science

Engineering Design Lab

Simple Machines to the rescue! It’s time to clear the path to make way for the Erie Canal, but we need your team to build a “stump puller.” Combine levers, pulleys, gears and more to create an engineering marvel capable of extracting stumps out of the ground. Tailored to grade level

 

Supporting Curriculum Materials:

Educator Guide Essential Questions Making the Most of Your Visit Correlation to Standards Facilitation (What to Expect, Floor Map) Glossary Resources

NYS Standards:

  • DCI: ETS1.A: Defining and Delimiting Engineering Problems
  • ETS1..B Developing Possible Solution
  • ETS1.C Optimizing the Design Solution
  • PS2.A Forces and Motion
  • 4.6 Westward Movement and Industrialization

How To Book

Need More Information?

  • Contact: Member & Visitor Services
  • Phone: 585.697.1942


When Is It?

  • Days Available: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
  • Start Date: 09/07/2023
  • End Date: 06/25/2024
  • Program Length: 60 min.
  • Earliest Start Time: 9am

Who Should Attend?

  • Grades: 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade
  • Minimum Attendance: 15
  • Maximum Attendance: 25

How Much Does It Cost?

  • $10 per person; PLUS: $6 Additional per person charge; 1 free adult with every 5 students; RMSC Member Adults free

    In-Person Lunch Fee: $30 per classroom needed, students required to bring bag lunch
  • Minimum Student Charge: $15