✓Lesson Snapshot
Student Objective
I can describe how motors support mechanisms and identify how speed, torque, load, and power affect performance.
Main Activity
Observe motor-driven VEX mechanisms and compare how gearing or load changes output motion.
Deliverable
Motor performance observation notes
Tools / Materials
VEX motors/controllers if available, VEX mechanism parts, notebook, calculator
1ProblemUnderstand the challenge and why it matters.
A motor can spin, but that does not guarantee it can complete the required task. The mechanism must match the motor to the load, speed, torque requirement, and available energy source.
2ConceptLearn the engineering idea or skill.
Motors convert electrical energy into rotational mechanical energy. Engineers use gearing, pulleys, and linkages to adapt motor output to the motion required by the system.
3ApplyUse the skill in a guided task.
Compare at least two motor-driven configurations or example scenarios. Describe how load, gear ratio, friction, and alignment affect performance.
4DocumentRecord your evidence and decisions.
Create an observation table with motor input, mechanism type, load behavior, speed/torque tradeoff, and one recommended design improvement.
5ReviewCheck quality and identify your next step.
Your recommendation should explain how to better match the motor and mechanism to the task, not just “use a stronger motor.”
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