Teach young engineers that all machines, no matter how complicated or complex, are made up of just six simple devices with this hands-on physical science lesson. Using the included templates, students first create paper models of...

In this levers instructional activity, students read a one page information text about the three classes of levers. Students then analyze 10 pictures of simple machines and circle the fulcrum point. Students classify each machine...

Class members are challenged to design a device that will move a circus elephant into a train car. Groups brainstorm ideas that use simple machines to load the elephant. They then choose one of their ideas, sketch a plan, and present it...

A lever comes in handy when scholars build a launcher for a ping-pong ball. They test the launcher and redesign it to send the ball higher or to accommodate a tennis ball. This is the third lesson in a five-part unit.

In this first class lever worksheet, students investigate the mechanical advantage of this simple machine. Students change the effort arm and the resistance arm and calculate the resistance force, effort force and the...

Help your class prepare for the upcoming state testing with this resource. A short text is accompanied by five multiple-choice questions. An answer key provides detailed answers, even describing where one could find the answers in the...

In this machines worksheet, students draw a "Rube Goldberg" style machine which uses 3 different types of simple machines to complete one task.

Class members work in pairs to build a catapult to launch a grape a given distance. The catapult project, a compound machine, reinforces pupils' understanding of simple machines.

The choice is simple: create a PowerPoint presentation, write a book, or invent a compound machine. Whichever project your young scientists choose, they will be engaged in creatively demonstrating their knowledge of simple...

In this lever activity, students determine the ideal mechanical advantage for different classes of levers. This activity has 6 problems to solve.

After getting to know the inventor, Leonardo da Vinci and his many inventions, scholars think up their own invention. Following a written description and a hand-drawn picture, learners use a method of mirror writing and antiquing to give...

In this mechanical advantage worksheet, students use the equation for mechanical advantage to solve for output force or input force. Students complete 3 problems.

In this simple machine worksheet, students read twelve clues to complete a crossword puzzle. The clues are a review of all simple machines.

This activity provides a unique review of clothing and textiles, focusing on sewing. It includes a handy diagram of a sewing machine, which could be useful in a home economics class, and 10 questions.

In this machines learning exercise, learners review different types of simple machines including pulleys, wedges, levers, and inclined planes. This learning exercise has 10 matching, 4 multiple choice, and 8 short answer questions.

This activity could be used in a home economics class to teach students about sewing and clothing. Using this 10 question worksheet, learners explore the function of a sewing machine, and plan a project.  

In this muscular system worksheet, students list the factors used in naming skeletal muscles. Then they explain how fascicle arrangement in muscles contributes to muscle mechanics. Students also describe the three classes of levers in...

In this activity, students are challenged to design a contraption using simple machines to move a circus elephant into a rail car. After students consider their audience and constraints, they work in groups to brainstorm ideas and select...

Refreshed with an understanding of the six simple machines; screw, wedge, pully, incline plane, wheel and axle, and lever, student groups receive materials and an allotted amount of time to act as mechanical engineers to design and...