"An inclined plane is a flat surface that is raised
at one end so it slopes. Wheelchair ramps,
playground slides, hilly roads and even stairs
are all inclined planes.
When moving an object (or a mouse) from a
lower level to a higher one, it is much easier
to use an inclined plane than it is to climb
straight up. The trade-off is that you have to
walk a longer distance to get there."
This book begins by introducing readers to a target, the team, the mission, and the obstacles sure to create a need for problem solving. The target is a fresh and flavorful vanilla cupcake. The team hungering for it are two mice, Gingersnap and Macaroon. The mission is to use simple machines to bring the cupcake home to the mousehole where it can be consumed in private.
To get the work started, there is a discussion of the six simple machines that will be needed to ensure success. Gingersnap creates a blueprint for a successful mission. They start with an inclined plane. It is described in clear and useful paragraphs, accompanied by dialogue between the two mice. Cartoon drawings show the many facets of its use, the obstacles faced and cleverly handled to make the first part of this mission work.
A 'Try It Out' follows, where readers are encouraged to use an inclined plane to test its use in an at-home experiment.
The rest of the book is designed to follow the same pattern, moving from one simple machine to the next for help in accomplishing the task the two have set for themselves before the humans arrive home from work. All six machines (inclined plane, lever, pulley, wheel and axle, screw, and wedge) are used to great benefit.
Final pages describe both complex machines, and common complex machines and the ways that simple machines are involved in their construction. Just in time, the mice accomplish their mission, causing the humans to wonder at how the cupcake disappeared. A glossary and index wrap it up.
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