A realistic mass and spring laboratory. Hang masses from springs and adjust the spring stiffness and damping. You can even slow time. Transport the lab to different planets. A chart shows the kinetic, potential, and thermal energy for each spring.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Erlen needs your help to get some trucks out of the mine! Using your knowledge of hydraulic systems, sort the pistons to solve Erlen’s challenge all while developing your knowledge about mechanical advantage.

ABOUT THE SCIENCE
Hydraulic systems are used everywhere: mechanic's shops, elevators, and even in brakes in a car. Where else do hydraulic systems appear?
Large machinery, such as that used in construction, uses a mechanical system called hydraulics to be able to lift and carry large and heavy things. The hydraulic systems create force using cylindrical parts, called pistons that are connected by a hose or pipe and filled with a fluid.
When the force used to move an object over a distance (effort force) is applied to the input piston, the force is transmitted to the output piston as the oil is pushing through the closed system of pipes. When the size of a cylinder is changed, you can add force to the system in order to move a heavy load. In a closed system, the pressure in the hydraulic lift remains constant so the surface area of the pistons determines how the force of that pressure is transferred between them. This works well if the pump is designed to rest when oil is not required; like in a tractor.

Study the simple machines, Then design and build a compound machine that contains 3 or more simple machines.