This book presents a program of basic studies dealing with machines and the work they do. The history of machines is presented and the six simple machines identified by scientists and examples of each are illustrated in detail. Additional topics include forces affecting objects, work and power, forms of energy, and compound machines. Each of the twelve teaching units in this book is introduced by a color transparency (print books) or PowerPoint slide (eBooks) that emphasizes the basic concept of the unit and presents questions for discussion. Reproducible student pages provide reinforcement and follow-up activities. The teaching guide offers descriptions of the basic concepts to be presented, background information, suggestions for enrichment activities, and a complete answer key.

Activities explore the effects of simple machines. Lessons focus on the concepts of force, friction, gravity, and inertia. General background information, suggested activities, questions for discussion, and answers are included. Encourage students to keep completed pages in a folder or notebook for further reference and review.

Why the United States lags behind other industrialized countries in sharing the benefits of innovation with workers and how we can remedy the problem. The United States has too many low-quality, low-wage jobs. Every country has its share, but those in the United States are especially poorly paid and often without benefits. Meanwhile, overall productivity increases steadily and new technology has transformed large parts of the economy, enhancing the skills and paychecks of higher paid knowledge workers. What’s wrong with this picture? Why have so many workers benefited so little from decades of growth? The Work of the Future shows that technology is neither the problem nor the solution. We can build better jobs if we create institutions that leverage technological innovation and also support workers though long cycles of technological transformation. Building on findings from the multiyear MIT Task Force on the Work of the Future, the book argues that we must foster institutional innovations that complement technological change. Skills programs that emphasize work-based and hybrid learning (in person and online), for example, empower workers to become and remain productive in a continuously evolving workplace. Industries fueled by new technology that augments workers can supply good jobs, and federal investment in R&D can help make these industries worker-friendly. We must act to ensure that the labor market of the future offers benefits, opportunity, and a measure of economic security to all.

Readers won’t have to disassemble their favorite toys to discover what makes them work. This book explores electric, magnetic, and motion-powered toys from design to function. It introduces readers to six simple machines and explains how they use force and motion to do work. Not every toy is a technological marvel. Readers learn about time-honored favorites including the rocking horse, Slinky, and rattles.

This book will be a hit with both thrill seekers and with those who prefer to stay safely on the ground. After an introduction to Newton’s three laws of motion, readers learn the mechanics of various amusement park rides including roller coasters, Ferris wheels, merry-go-rounds, and gravity rides. They learn how to measure motion, and how kinetic and potential energy apply to their favorite rides.

The world is in the midst of a transformation in the nature of work, as smart machines, artificial intelligence, new technologies, and global competition remake how people do their jobs and pursue their careers. The Work Ahead focuses on how to rebuild the links among work, opportunity, and economic security for all Americans.

Children of today are so used to going everywhere quickly and comfortably in the family car, they take the whole thing for granted. They don't have a clue about the problems and challenges that had to be met by early inventors and automobile factories to make a smooth ride possible for us today. So why not bring one of the inventors of the automobile right into your classroom! Introduce Henry Ford to your students and let them discover for themselves the exciting early history of cars!