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Machines at Home
For this simple machines worksheet, students examine methods to reduce friction in simple machines and note 5 of them on the lines provided.
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Crossword: Simple Machines
In this simple machine instructional activity, students read the simple machine definitions and then complete the crossword puzzle for the simple machine terms.
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Directions for Making an Inclined Plane
In this simple machines activity, learners follow the 5 directions and create a model of an inclined plane. Materials needed are a pencil, paper and tape.
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Simple Machines
Third graders listen to a short story entitled, "Phil's Adventures" from a book called Animal Stories. They stop at each obstacle in the story and do a quick write about how they would overcome the obstacle and draw a picture to...
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The Physics of Tools
Students investigate the nature and work of simple tools and mechanics.
They explain how each simple machine can be used in real world applications. They explore levers, balance beams, windlasses, wedges, gears, ocarinas, harmonicas,...
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Getting Geared Up!
Students create their own Power Point presentation displaying clip art pictures of simple machines and telling how each machine makes tasks easier. They break into small groups and review information on simple machines from website and...
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Machines: Useful But Dangerous
First graders study, observe, and use a simple machine. They study necessary safety and review posted safety rules related to using a machine and identify strategies for reporting any accidents or injuries.
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Simple Machines/Technology
Third graders examine the concept of work as the movement of an object through a distance. They define gravity and determine what type of work is caused by gravity. They measure how far an object is moved by a force. They make a...
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Simple Machines
Fifth graders study how simple machines can help us alter forces and discuss the term mechanical advantage. They then identify dysfunctional simple machines and discuss in groups how the dysfunctions will decrease the effectiveness of each.
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Toy Dissection Graph
Students explore simple machines and how they are made. They examine the parts of the simple machine and collect information about its parts. Using Excel, students create circle and bar graphs from the collected data.
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Simple Machine Invention
Students access the Internet and research simple machines. They locate five different web sites within a simple machines web quest and then create their own simple machine invention using the resources found on the Internet.
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Optical Illusion Machine
Students explore optical illusions. Using Legos, they construct and motorize a machine that has an axle that's geared up and geared down, complete a worksheet, and answer discussion questions.
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Simply Unique
Learners identify, compare and contrast simple machines and their functions. They work together in groups to complete experiments using the simple machines. They write in their journals to reflect on the lesson.
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Simple Machines, Odd Machine
Pupils explore six simple machines and locate them operating in a compound machine. The simple machines are identified at a variety of stations set up in the classroom and continued by identifying the machines in their homes.
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Finding Simple Machines in Farm Machinery
Students identify simple machines and how they must work together to form a piece of equipment used in agriculture. They create a diagram of a piece of farm equipment and write about two of the simple machines they drew.
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Row, Tow, Pull Your Boat
Third graders use previous knowledge and research to analyze and solve a scenario relating to the use of simple machines and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. They present their findings to the class in oral presentations.
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Three Classes of Levers
Eighth graders research the three classes of levers and create a Power Point presentation showcasing the fulcrum, effort arm, and resistance arm in each class. They then write a paper explaining real life applications of the levers.
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Balanced Students
Students investigate the relationships between weights, and construct a balanced first class lever. They formulate a general equation for the relationship explored in the experiment and perform calculations.
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Work Made Easy
Second graders maneuver placement of the fulcrum on the lever to see how to lift weight most easily. They role-play as archaeologists with the task of lifting a heavy rock from the dig site. They write in science journals about what...
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Simple Machines - Hardware Devices
Students examine a variety of simple hardware devices. They observe the interactions between the elements of the devices, through both hands-on and Internet exploration. They complete worksheets and design their own gadgets.
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Mystery Machines
Students explore simple machines and demonstrate thier acquired understanding by building a simple machine.
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Make Work Easier!
Pupils work in pairs to design a lever. They conduct experiments using a penny and nickel to explore the uses of a lever.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Blossoms: Using Geometry to Design Simple Machines
An MIT engineering professor offers a fun presentation on simple machines, specifically the geometry involved in building them. Young scholars will learn about kinematics ("geometry in motion") and build their own simple machines with a...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12 Exploration Series: Simulations: Physics: Ramp and Piano
[Free Registration/Login Required] This module has students using a simple machine to learn about the relationship between work, force, and energy.