Students use an inclined plane to move a heavy load.

Young scholars use a rotating wheel to move an object.

Students complete a research project.  In this technology lesson plan, students discuss the term technology and when technology began.  Students work in groups to brainstorm a list of the top ten technological advances in...

In this work, force and energy worksheet, students complete an on-line quiz, choosing questions and matching answer. A printable version is available.

Students examine examples of writing samples from NCS Mentor and discuss with students what makes each writing piece earn points. They grade a writing sample on the program and discuss various simple machines and their components.

Could your class identify an old-fashioned can opener? What about a rotary phone,...

Engineers team up to design and construct an 18-inch-long robotic arm that can successfully pick up a paper cup. Each group is given the exact same set of materials, but it is up to them to decide what to use and how to use it. It is a...

Third graders observe and discuss examples of friction. They discuss what experimentally increases and decreases friction. They then predict which surface will produce the most friction and verify the prediction.

In a simple but unique lesson plan, youngsters learn about the history of voting systems. They then collaborate in groups to develop a new honest and consistent voting method. A class-wide poll is taken, evaluating the designs of other...

Third graders invent gadgets using simple machine principles. Once they have assembled graphic organizers containing information about their invention, they draw diagrams and explain how their gadget works. Lastly, 3rd graders write...

Third graders study the forces of push and pull on motion

In this 4-H activity worksheet, learners will select their favorite activities and projects from a menu of choices. Then they will work with their 4-H leaders and parents to create a project plan for the year. The activities include...

Students investigate how levers help to lift heavy loads. They view and discuss examples of levers, explore various websites, experiment with the levers brought to the class, and watch the video for the book "Mike Mulligan and His Steam...

Vegetables aren't just things we can grow to eat; now they are things we can grow to create art! Use this cute and kid-friendly recipe during your next Earth Day celebration. It includes step-by-step instructions on how to turn...

Students explore magnification. In this scientific observation skills lesson, students observe sea life items and draw pictures of what they observe. Students predict which lens will have the strongest magnification when given three...

Learnersexplore how gravity affects the operation of toys and simple machines. They watch a video and experiment with simple machines.

Third graders engage in a manipulative experiment in the mechanical advantage of simple machines. It graphically demonstrates the change in magnitude of applied force when using simple machines. Great for ESL to discover the ratio...

Students learn the major organ systems in the human body and research simple machines on the Internet; They design an informational brochure about a medical profession and present that career topic to the class.

In this everyday editing instructional activity, learners correct grammatical mistakes in a short paragraph about Alexander Graham Bell. The 10 errors range from capitalization, punctuation, spelling, and grammar.

Youngsters learn about simple machines that could be used on a farm.  They learn about agricluture, listen to a farmer speak, compare and contrast different farm machines, and then design their own. Note that although the publisher...

Students participate in an online computation game. In this computation lesson, students practice simple computations and use an internet site to review addition and subtraction facts.

Investigate the prospect of wind as a renewable resource. Second and third graders make a pinwheel, answer critical thinking questions, and then attempt to use wind power to wind string. I would be more apt to use this instructional...

Students review engineering design process and discuss how wind can be used to help get work done. They look at a variety of windmills, focusing on different materials used in construction of windmills.

Seeing is believing! Or is it? With this simple experiment, young scientists can explore the concept of visual perception. Attach Benham's disk to a rotating appliance such as a hand drill; As it spins, the black lines appear to be...