Students that participate in the AECS Simple Machines workshop will discover concepts of different simple machines, their principles, uses and mechanical function. By using special K’Nex material, students will build and experiment with numerous simple machine models. Some of the mechanical principals that will be highlighted in this experience will be: effort, friction, work, load, force, fulcrum, lever classes, gear ratio, etc. The simple machines workshop will focus on discovery-based problem solving challenges to investigate form and function, and work performed. The material and activity in this workshop will be aligned to National Science, Math and Technology Standards. As part of this experience, students will create a display of models that they have created demonstrating how simple machines are used in real-world situations.