Energy Machines
Grades 4 to 6

The featured activities in this resource (Teacher Guide, 676KB PDF), introduce students to the basic mechanics of two petroleum industry machines - the drill rig and pump jack. The activities lead student teams through the steps in constructing a model pump jack and drill rig from various materials such as cardboard, paper clips and straws, and challenge team members to improve or enhance their models.

Curriculum links, learning outcomes, helpful hints and tips are included throughout the resource for teacher use.

Cette ressource est maintenant offerte en français (Guide de l’enseignant 688Ko PDF).

Energy Machines online activity (Parent Guide 76KB PDF) is designed for students studying simple machines and is an extension of the learning resource. Two hands-on learning experiences will help students develop an understanding of two important energy machines - a pump jack and a drill rig - and the moving parts and forces that make them work. Students should do the pump jack activity in the print resource before trying the online activities.

The online resource uses graphics, sound and animation to help students apply their knowledge of machines to construct an animated model of a pump jack. Students also practice problem-solving skills and apply principles of basic physics to identify what is wrong with a completed pump jack and how they can fix it.

L’activité en ligne est uniquement offerte en anglais.