Unit Plan
Scholastic

Scholastic: Dirtmeister's Science Reporters: Simple Machines

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Simple machines are listed and defined. The page is part of a larger science investigation project.
Activity
The Franklin Institute

[Archived Content] the Franklin Institute: The Screw Demonstration

For Students 9th - 10th
This is an activity demonstrating that the screw is an inlined plane.
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University of Houston

University of Houston: Todd Kranz: Simple Machine Quiz

For Students Pre-K - 1st
A short quiz on simple machines.
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University of Houston

University of Houston: Simple Machines Learning Site

For Students 3rd - 5th
Simple descriptions and drawings of simple machines. Click on each image for a further explanation and examples.
Activity
PBS

Pbs Teachers: Spool Racer Experiment

For Students Pre-K - 1st
Demonstrate stored and kinetic energy by making a racer toy from a spool and a rubber band.
Handout
Science Struck

Science Struck: Simple Machines for Kids

For Students 2nd - 4th
Gives short descriptions of the six types of simple machines.
Interactive
PBS

Pbs Teachers: Dish It Out, Simple Machine Game

For Students 1st - 5th
Explore the physics of motion and simple machines with this interactive game. Try a pre-made challenge or set up ramps in your own challenge to get the mysterious Dim Sum ball into the take-out container.
Activity
Other

Professor Beaker's Learning Lab

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
This site provides information on simple machines in machines and features links to a question and answer section as well as a learning lab.
Activity
Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility

Jefferson Lab: Science Crossword Puzzles Simple Machines [Pdf]

For Students 2nd - 3rd
Find out what you know about simple machines by completing this crossword puzzle!
Handout
The Franklin Institute

Spotlighting Simple Machines

For Students 3rd - 8th
Simple machines such as inclined planes in wedges and screws are explained.
Handout
Integrated Publishing

Integrated Publishing: Mechanical Advantage

For Students 9th - 10th
Good descriptions and diagrams to help explain the mechanical advantage of machines. Includes sample calculations of this quantity.
Lesson Plan
PBS

Pbs Teachers: Scientific American: Games Machines Play: Streamlined Design

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Explore the streamlined shapes of submarines and design an effective hull shape. Observe how streamlining affects a vehicle as it is pulled through a water-filled trough.
Website
Other

Cabaret Mechanical Theatre

For Students 9th - 10th
These wooden, puppet-like machines operate on simple engineering: a turn crank. Watch them in action and see them in a full 360 degree view.
Graphic
Other

The Art of Carlos Zapata

For Students 9th - 10th
The simple mechanics of these moving wooden puppets are old-fashioned, yet still appealing to today's audience.
Article
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Simple Machines and How to Use This Tutorial

For Students 6th - 8th
There are six simple machines. They are as follows: lever, wheel, pulley, incline plane, wedge, and screw. This tutorial will cover the first three.
Lesson Plan
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)

Smile: Simple Machines

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Good combination of teacher demonstration and student interaction for this simple machine lesson. Great for talking about force and work. Plans are for grades 2-4, yet are adaptable.
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My Science Site

Finding Examples of Machines [Pdf]

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Ready, set, go! Send your students racing to find examples of machines with this reproducible. A great way to enhance student learning on an unit on work and machines. This resource is in PDF form; requires Adobe Reader.
Activity
PBS

Pbs Teachers: Rube Goldberg Invention Ii

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Explore motion, force and energy by building a complicated contraption to pour milk into a glass.
Handout
NASA

Nasa: Simple Machine Resource Chart

For Students 3rd - 8th
This site provides a chart that lists the six simple machines, defines them, explains how it helps and gives examples.