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Everyday Machines / Week 02 / Machine Day
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Week 02 · The Zipper

Machine Day

Machine Day: The Zipper Hunt
// Rows of hooks and a slider that is a wedge
⏱ about 15 min

Machine Day: The Zipper Hunt

Rocket, Raven and Nova hunt for zippers around the house.

"One on my coat, two on my bag!" Rocket says.

Raven finds a tent and a pencil case.

"What do you notice? Big zippers and tiny ones," she says.

Nova beeps for every zipper. "Would you like a hint? Check the pillows."

  1. A zipper has two rows of teeth and a slider.
  2. Each tooth has a bump and a dip.
  3. The slider is a wedge.
  4. Pull up and the wedge pushes the teeth together.
  5. Pull down and the wedge pushes them apart.
◇ FAMILY ZIPPER HUNT
Walk through your home together.
Find every zipper you can.
Sort them: big teeth and small teeth.
Find the slider on each one.
Pick the longest zipper. Zip it slowly together.
For a grown-up
Point out zippers your child might miss: cushions, bags, tents.
Ask: what does this zipper hold together?
Celebrate every zipper, even a broken one.
Safety first
Only zip things a grown-up says are okay.
Zip slowly so no skin gets pinched.
Do not pull on a stuck zipper. Ask a grown-up.
MACHINE DAY CHECK
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
What simple machine is inside a slider?
What do the teeth have that fits together?
SentenceTrue or false?
A pencil case can have a zipper.?
The slider pushes the teeth apart when you pull down.?
Zippers are not machines.?
WHY THIS EXERCISESpotting zippers helps you see machines everywhere.
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