✓Lesson Snapshot
Student Objective
I can calculate work, power, and efficiency using measured input and output data from a mechanical system.
Main Activity
Measure force, distance, time, or load movement in a VEX or classroom mechanism and calculate performance values.
Deliverable
Work, power, and efficiency data sheet
Tools / Materials
VEX mechanism or test setup, spring scale, stopwatch, ruler, calculator, notebook
1ProblemUnderstand the challenge and why it matters.
A mechanism may work, but it may waste energy through friction, slipping, flexing, or poor alignment. Efficiency calculations help engineers compare performance and identify improvement opportunities.
2ConceptLearn the engineering idea or skill.
Power describes how quickly work is done. Efficiency compares useful output work or power to the input work or power supplied to the system.
3ApplyUse the skill in a guided task.
Collect measurements from a mechanism that lifts, pulls, or moves a load. Calculate work, power, and efficiency, then identify one reason the system did not reach ideal performance.
4DocumentRecord your evidence and decisions.
Record data, calculations, units, and a conclusion that explains how friction, alignment, gearing, or structure affected efficiency.
5ReviewCheck quality and identify your next step.
Your conclusion should connect the numbers to the physical system. Do not just report efficiency; explain what caused it.
Lesson Resources
Use these files and shared website resources when they support today’s work.
Engineering Graph Paper
Use for sketches, layouts, calculations, systems diagrams, and test planning.
Open ResourceMeasurement Data Sheet
Record repeated trials, measurements, calculations, and observations.
Open Resource