Puzzling Pyramids

Case Introduction
Welcome, detectives! Everything you need to get started in your investigation is at your fingertips! Click the links below to learn the problem situation, your role, and the criteria for the case. Be sure to review the steps in the problem-solving process!

Here's the Situation!
You are a civil engineer. NASA needs your help in unlocking the secrets of pyramid building. They are constructing a model of the great pyramid at Giza. Before you begin building you will need to research pyramids, simple machines, model building. Then you will work online practicing which simple machines will be best in complete each of the three tasks needed to build the pyramid.

Your Role in the Case!
You are a civil engineer working with NASA to unlock the secrets of the pyramids. Many experts think that the Egyptian used a variety of simple machines to construct the great pyramids. However, there is no actual data to support these theories. Therefore, you will need to test the efficiency of various simple machines in the various tasks.
A civil engineer is a person who designs and constructs public works such as bridges, roads, harbors, parks, pyramids. Your job is to research pyramid building. Then you will choose the best simple machine to complete each of the three tasks. Finally you will make a report to present your theory of the secrets of the pyramids.

During the project there will be simulations for each machine that will provide further information and formulas for calculating the amount of force used with that machine. It is recommended that you visit the simulation for each machine that you choose to use.
In the research rack you will find resources about pyramids, simple machines, model building and more.

The Criteria for the Case
Use your knowledge of simple machines and pyramids to test the effectiveness of each machine throughout three different tasks. Keep the following criteria in mind as you solve the secrets of the pyramids.
• Develop a plan of action
• Keep a journal that includes investigative questions, important issues, and resources in the
Problem Log provided.
• Produce a final product that details your theory of how the pyramids were built.

• develop a plan of action.
• keep a journal that includes investigated questions, important issues, and resources in the Problem Log provided.
• produce a final product that informs the committee about the causes of the unusually red skies and the effects on the local and global environment.