Curated OER
Tree House Escape!
Students participate in a role play in which they use simple machines to do the work of retrieving their sibling from a tree which lost its ladder. They investigate how work is accomplished when an object moves in the direction of the...
Curated OER
Inventor's Workshop
Middle schoolers explore the six simple machines that are the basis for all mechanical devices. In this physics lesson, students choose one simple machine to research and then find a complex machine it is apart of. Middle schoolers...
Curated OER
Konnecting Simple Machines and K'Nex
Students study and identify different types of simple machines and how they work. They design a simple machine.
Curated OER
Backpacks and Hills
This machines PowerPoint reviews effort and force in relation to work and informs students about different types of machines and the different ways forces are applied and how they work to increase efficiency.
Curated OER
Designing Machines
Students explore simple and compound machines. In groups of four students, they design a compound machine using K'NEX that has a stated purpose and consists of at least two simple machines.
Curated OER
Wheels and Axles 1
Students investigate how and why wheels are used in different types of machines. They work in teams trying to move a heavy box with and without dowels and discuss which way is easier to move the box. Next, they conduct an experiment...
Curated OER
Fire Safety in the Home
Students discover the importance of fire safety. For this fire prevention lesson, students identify problems in a house that could lead to a fire and draw their own homes that include the appropriate fire prevention tools. The students...
Curated OER
Medieval Catapults
Students design and build a working catapult or trebuchet to explore the concepts of force, motion, and distance.
Curated OER
Build Working Models With household Items
Students follow the illustration, and cut out foam board according to the pattern. They assemble the small parts by gluing. Once the glue is dry, students tape the end of the bottom and top clipper boards, they slide toothpicks through...
Curated OER
Building a Car: Mechanical Engineering
Students use common materials to build a car. In this car building mechanical engineering activity, students build a car using a milk cartoon and plastic wheels. They discuss what mechanical engineers do and what makes a car run.
Curated OER
Technology at Work
Students complete a research project. In this technology lesson, students discuss the term technology and when technology began. Students work in groups to brainstorm a list of the top ten technological advances in history. Students...
Curated OER
Leprechaun Traps Using Simple Machines
Are you looking for a fun way to incorporate St. Patrick's Day into your science curriculum? Try designing and building leprechaun traps!
Curated OER
Simple Machines
Students engage in a instructional activity that explores the concept of simple machines. They view a powerpoint media presentation and then are introduced to adult volunteers for the instructional activity. Each volunteer is at a...
Curated OER
Looking at shapes, colours and patterns in Flowers and Butterflies
Students study patterns, lines, shapes, and colors in both flowers and butterfly wings. They create their own flower and butterfly drawings and/or models to reinforce the concept.
Curated OER
Mechanical Advantage
In this forces worksheet, students use the mechanical advantage equation to solve for input distance or output distance. The worksheet has 17 problems to solve.
Curated OER
Simple Machines, Survivor-Style
Students apply the principles of simple machines to create events in a wacky obstacle course. They work with a partner to prepare a visual presentation and an expository description of the obstacle course. Each group sequentially...
Curated OER
A Simple Machines Activity
Fourth graders observe examples of simple machines found in the school, playground, and work environment. In this simple machines lesson, 4th graders review simple machines by viewing three web sites. Students tour the school and grounds...
Curated OER
Challenger's Lost Lessons - The Lost Simple Machines Lesson
Students investigate the characteristics of simple machines. For this simple machine lesson, students investigate work as a product of applying constant force. They answer questions about what happens on Earth and what may have happened...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Simple Machines Internet Research
Learners identify six types of simple machines, then use the Internet for research.
Curated OER
QuickTime Science Project
Fifth graders divide into teams and select a simple science topic to explain and illustrate. They should pick a topic that they can illustrate with a very short (about 15-20 seconds) video clip, or QuickTime movie.
Curated OER
Children's Literature Across the Curriculum Ideas-The Gadget War
Students read The Gadget War by Betsy Duffey. They complete a variety of cross-curricular activities surrounding inventors and inventions. Included are reading, art, math, science, writing, social studies, and library connections.
Curated OER
Investigating Pulleys
Students investigate pulleys and see how they have a mechanical advantage in lifting heavy loads. In this pulley activity students make a hypothesis, complete and experiment then complete a worksheet.
Curated OER
Designing a Safe City Like a Civil Engineer
Students study civil engineering, safety apparatuses in their city, and design their own city. For this civil engineering lesson, students discuss their towns safety apparatuses and define civil engineers. Students then design their own...
Curated OER
The Saturday Morning Superhero:
Learners explore the concept of engineering design. In this engineering design process lesson, students read The Saturday Morning Superhero and discuss the problem solving steps that the main character encounters as he creates a...