Based on what scientists call simple machines, tools provide a mechanical advantage and increase the ability to do work. Although other animals have also been known to use tools, only human beings have used them for technological achievements.
The first hand tools were invented during prehistoric times when a human being first picked up a rock and used it for digging or scraping or pounding. It was probably not long before people noticed that certain rocks did a job better because they were harder or sharper or less likely to crack. Then people began to modify these natural tools. They shaped the rocks to give them an edge or tied a rock and stick together to make a crude hammer. The next step, however, was a big one—fashioning tools from metals.
The first metal tools were probably made from copper. Copper is softer than stone, but it can be shaped more easily. Soon, however, copper tools were replaced by those made from bronze, which is stronger. Bronze is an alloy—a substance created by combining one metal with another metal or other substance. To make bronze, copper was combined with tin. Over the next 3,000 years, the basic forms were developed for most of the hand tools used today.
Another great change took place around 1000 B.C., when tools began to be made from iron. Iron can be melted and cast into different shapes, just as bronze can, but iron can be made even stronger. Iron tools lasted longer and could do more difficult jobs. Around this time, the Romans made great strides in tool development. By the end of the Roman era (around 500 A.D.) nearly all metalworking and woodworking hand tools were refined into forms that were used until the 1900s.
The next major changes occurred during the Industrial Age (beginning around 1750) when machine-made tools became widely available. Although they lacked the fine workmanship with which some earlier tools had been made, they were cheaper. More people could afford to buy them. Specialized tools also became popular and more affordable.
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For this WebQuest, your job is to learn more about the development of hand tools. To demonstrate what you have learned, you will answer the questions included here. You will also complete one of the activities described at the end of this WebQuest.
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Read through the following questions. Then research the Internet resources that are provided for you.. As you explore the sites, look for answers to the questions. Keep a record of any sites where you find answers by noting the title and URL (Internet address). For example:
(title) Technology Student Association
(URL) www.tsaweb.org
- When did bronze tools begin to be used?
- What is the purpose of an adze?
- Which animals have been known to use tools?
- When you use a hand tool, your bones and muscles provide the power. How many bones are in your hand and wrist?
- Name the six simple machines on which hand tools are based.
- When you use a crowbar to pry some object loose, the crowbar acts as a lever. What is the fulcrum of that lever?
- For which industry was the Phillips-head screw invented and why?
- For what purpose were the first plier-like tools probably invented?
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Visit the Web sites listed here to find information that will enable you to answer the questions. You may use additional sites if you wish. Be sure to keep a record of any sites you use.
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Three activities are described below. Complete one of these activities (your choice) to demonstrate the understandings you’ve gained by going on this WebQuest.
- Choose a hand tool and make a presentation about it to the class. Include what the tool is used for and how to use it, what safety precautions should be taken, and how the tool should be properly maintained.
- Create a display showing several hand tools and include diagrams of the simple machines on which they are based.
- Do some research to learn which hand tools have been used by astronauts as they worked in space. Write a report about your findings. Be sure to include the names of the tools and describe any changes made to them in order to adapt them to conditions in space.
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