Time: 60 - 90 minutes Grade: 6th-10thOverview:Students will learn different types of gears, their functions in mechanical systems. Explore how affect speed, torque, and change the direction of movement. They will build and test simple gear systems using LEGO® SPIKE™ Prime. Key Objective:Students will understand and apply the concept of gear ratios in LEGO® robotics by building and testing simple and compound gear trains. Things Needed:LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime SetTablets/computers with LEGO® SPIKE™ Prime softwarePrinted or digital worksheets for students (optional) Additional Resource:Building instruction Educational Standards:Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)Engineering and Technology:MS-ETS1-1: Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem to ensure a successful solution.MS-ETS1-2: Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process.MS-ETS1-3: Analyse data from tests to determine similarities and differences among solutions.Physical Science:MS-PS2-2: Plan an investigation to provide evidence that the change in an object's motion depends on the sum of the forces on the object.MS-PS3-5: Construct, use, and present arguments to support the claim that when the motion energy of an object changes, energy is transferred to or from the object.Common Core State Standards – MathRatios & Proportional Relationships (Middle School Grades 6-8)CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.RP.A.1: Understand the concept of a ratio and use ratio language to describe a relationship between two quantities.CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.RP.A.2: Recognize and represent proportional relationships between quantities (e.g., gear ratios).Functions (Middle School Grades 7-8)CCSS.MATH. CONTENT.8. F.A.3: Interpret the equation y = mx + b as defining a linear function. (Relating gear speed to input power).Computer Science Standards (CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards)2-AP-13: Decompose problems and create solutions that include sequences, events, loops, and conditionals.2-AP-17: Systematically test and refine programs using iterative processes. VocabularyGear Train, Driver, Follower, Idlers, Gear Ratios, Gearing Up, Gearing Down, Torque, Speed, Spur gears, Bevel gears and crown gears, Double bevel gears, Rack and Pinion. Lesson Outline1. Introduction to Gears (15 minutes)Ask students: Where have they seen gears in everyday life? (Examples: bicycles, clocks, cars)Show real-life gear examples or pictures.Explain what gears are and their function in machines.Discuss different types of gears (spur, bevel, worm, Rack and Pinion) and their uses in robotics.Explain key gear concepts:Gear Train: Combination of three or more gears (compound Gears)Gear Ratio: How gears affect speed and torque. Gear Ratio Formula: Gear Ratio = Driven Gear Teeth / Driving Gear TeethDriver, Idler & Follower Gear: The driving gear moves the follower.Meshing Direction: Gears rotate in opposite directions, in different angle and linear movement. 2. Hands-on Activity: Building a Simple Gear Train (20 minutes)Divide students into small groups and provide them with LEGO® robotics kits.Guide them to build a simple two-gear system (one driving gear and one driven gear).Have students calculate the gear ratio and predict how it affects speed and torque.Test the gear train using a LEGO® motor and observe the results. 3. Experimenting with Compound Gears (25 minutes)Introduce the concept of compound gear trains (multiple gears working together).Challenge students to create a gear train (three or more gears) that increases/decrease speed and another that increases/decrease torque.Have students Measure and compare the results using motor rotations at different speed and record their findings in a worksheet or digital journal 4. Real-World Applications and Discussion (10 minutes)Ask students how gear ratios impact robots, vehicles, and other mechanical systems.Discuss how engineers use gear ratios to optimize designs.Encourage students to brainstorm where they might use gears in their own projects. 5. Conclusion & Assessment (10 minutes)Recap key takeaways from the lesson.Correct understanding and calculation of gear ratios.Ability to build and modify gear trains.Have students demonstrate their gear trains and explain their gear ratios.Explanation of how gear ratios affect speed and torque.Creativity in applying gear ratios to real-world scenarios.Assign a short reflection: How would you apply gear ratios in a robotic competition? 6. Extensions:Advanced students can explore planetary gear systems.Introduce gear ratio programming challenges using LEGO® software.Host a mini-race where students design the fastest or strongest gear train.Build a simple gearbox or differential system for advanced students.