Simple Machines and Biomimicry

In Gathering this week, we showed second graders two videos of insects that have simple machines in their bodies. One has a two-pronged lever and another has a gear. In case you are interested in seeing these insects in action, here is more information:

The Plant Hopper:
http://www.ibtimes.com/mechanical-gears-found-nature-planthoppers-use-cogs-jump-1405818

If you have Hulu, look for the David Attenborough series, Life in the Undergrowth: The Invaders from the Sea, Season 1: Episode 1. At about 9:45 you will meet the Springtail. Or if you want to use YouTube, here's a link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwOL-MHcQ1w
This is not the whole section but it will show the Springtail in action.

Let us know if you know of any other examples of simple machines in nature.

Measuring Our Waste

After our Monthly Celebrations we combined all of the second grade trash. We decided to weigh it using a balance (or lever). First we used snap cubes, only to discover that they didn't weigh enough. So on Monday we tried wooden blocks and snap cubes. We came pretty close to finding a balance.