Spot the simple machines being used at the Royal BC Museum.
Exhibit Fabrication Specialist
Some of the most important storytellers at the Royal BC Museum are the exhibit fabrications specialists, the people who build the displays. These masters of multiple trades are (usually) hidden behind the scenes.
See how many simple machines you can spot in this short video.
Credit: RBCM
Carving Program
Simple tools create art and important cultural objects. In the summer of 2018, visitors to the Royal BC Museum witnessed an Indigenous cultural tradition in action—pole carving. In partnership with the BC Ministry of Health and sponsored by TimberWest, Tsawout First Nation master carvers Tom and Perry LaFortune answered questions and talked about their artwork as they carved the Crossing Cultures and Healing pole. Learn about the carving process and what the project means to the carvers. Find a wedge!
Credit: RBCM
Discover the history of machines with the BC Archives.
The Royal Hudson
Trains are a great example of several simple machines put together to provide transportation. The Royal Hudson was one of British Columbia’s best-loved tourist attractions, carrying thousands of tourists and locals between Vancouver and Squamish and representing BC to Canada and the world. Look for the tracks (inclined plane), steps (inclined plane) wheel and axle and bell (pulley).
Credit: RBCM
Okanagan Helicopters
It may surprise you to learn that a helicopter's propeller is a type of screw. This story starts with three BC men returning from the Second World War with one plane and a dream. That dream was Okanagan Helicopters, and in 1965, the company put this province on the world stage with a record setting flight. Look for the wheels and axle and a gas pedal (lever).
Credit: RBCM
