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Everyday Machines / Week 03 / Machine Day
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Week 03 · Lock and Key

Machine Day

Machine Day: The Lock Hunt
// A key's shape lifts the pins just right
⏱ about 15 min

Machine Day: The Lock Hunt

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

"The front door, the back door, my diary!" Rocket says.

Raven finds a suitcase lock and a bike lock.

"What do you notice? Some locks have no key at all," she says.

Nova beeps. "Would you like a hint? Look for a keyhole."

  1. A lock is a machine with a job: stay shut.
  2. Inside are pins pushed down by springs.
  3. The key's bumps push the pins up.
  4. The right key puts every pin in the right spot.
  5. Then the lock turns.
◇ FAMILY LOCK HUNT AND PAPER KEY GAME
Walk through your home together. Find every lock.
For each one, find the keyhole.
Cut a paper key with three bumps: tall, short, tall.
Draw a paper lock with three slots that match.
Make a second paper key that does not match. Test both!
For a grown-up
A grown-up does all the cutting.
Point out locks your child might miss: windows, cabinets, cars.
Ask: what does this lock keep shut?
Safety first
Look at real locks. Do not lock or unlock doors alone.
Never lock anything onto a person or a pet.
A grown-up handles the scissors.
MACHINE DAY CHECK
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
What pushes the pins down inside a lock?
Which paper key opens the paper lock?
SentenceTrue or false?
A suitcase can have a lock.?
The right key puts every pin in the right spot.?
Locks are not machines.?
WHY THIS EXERCISESpotting locks helps you see machines everywhere.
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