Curated OER
Simple Machines: Pulleys
Students observe and analyze how pulleys work and how a double pulley can make work easier. In small groups they use a fixed pulley system and a double pulley system and draw a picture of how their pulley system functions. Students...
Curated OER
Is a Pulley a Special Kind of Lever?
Fifth graders use information from their text to read and discuss pulleys and levers. They examine a top sketch of the arrangement of a fixed pulley. Working in groups, 5th graders perform experiments to test the effect of using a pulley...
Curated OER
Simple Machines III - Pulleys
Fourth graders are introduced to a spring scale to show that the forces on both sides of the pulley are the same. They break into groups to lift objects with fixed pulleys and with multiple looped pulleys and then measure the force...
Curated OER
TE Activity: Pulley'ing Your Own Weight
Students experiment with common objects such as spools, string and soap to determine how pulleys make it easier to move large objects. They look at the difference between fixed and movable pulleys. They examine the many uses engineers...
Curated OER
Stop Pulling My Bot Around!
Students investigate the relationship between work and mechanical advantage. In this physics instructional activity, students calculate the work and efficiency of pulleys. They identify the different types of pulleys.
Curated OER
Simple Machines
Students explore the concepts of force and effort by observing simple machines. In this physics lesson, students attempt to sharpen a pencil without any help, bite into an orange with their lips curled over their teeth, and other...
Curated OER
Secrets of Lost Empires I-Colosseum
Sixth graders identify how to use pulleys to change the direction of force. Students develop ways to evaluate designs, noting that no one best design exists and that different tasks require different designs. Students designs will vary.
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
Simple Machines make work easier.
Learners examine how simple machine work can make work easier. In this machines activity students complete an activity that shows them what makes up a machine, and how to measure displacement and velocity.
Curated OER
A Focus on Mechanical Friction
High schoolers explore mechanical friction. They perform experiments to observe the direction of mechanical motion and the difference between rolling and sliding friction. Data results on the experiments are recorded and students...
Curated OER
Newton's Second Law of Motion
Sixth graders study Newton's second law of motion and verify it. In this force and motion activity students complete a lab activity and collect data, analyze it and graph it.