Students investigate levers. In this simple machine instructional activity, students study levers and  the mechanical advantage of using levers. They will collect data and illustrate their systems for eight different tests.

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...

Young scholars brainstorm ways of using an inclined plane or lever and demonstrate using materials such as a board, fulcrum, etc. They divide into two groups and figure out to lift a crate using materials for a simple machine. Once they...

In this math learning exercise, students find how a 1 kg bucket filled with 10 kg of water is lifted 10 m into the air. They set up an integral which gives the total amount of work done on the bucket and the water used for lifting it.

In this levers worksheet, 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 according to the...

Young scholars investigate pulleys and see how they have a mechanical advantage in lifting heavy loads.  In this pulley lesson students make a hypothesis, complete and experiment then complete a worksheet. 

In this levers worksheet, learners follow directions to making levers with a ruler, weights, pennies, and more. Students then see how much force is needed when adding more weights.

In this energy transfer worksheet, students answer 17 questions about energy, kinds of energy and forces that do work. They calculate power of forces and work done on objects.

Students observe a machine closely from several angles while it operates. Identify the elements of machines combined in different gadgets. Create a clear diagram of how a machine works.

Students examine the aerodynamics of a wing and how it generates lift.  In this flight lesson students complete several experiments including how to build a paper plane and how airfoils affect performance.

Students, after reading an explanation from a NASA Web-based textbook, you demonstrate an understanding of the text by applying it to questions involving the theories of how a wing produces lift.

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...

Pupils, after studying various pages of a NASA Web-based textbook, use dimensional analysis to verify actual aeronautic equations.

Middle schoolers investigate the laws of physics that govern the flight of helicopters and airplanes. They build and launch a model rotor, simulating rotors used on helicopters to provide lift.

Students examine buoyancy and fluid pressure. They conduct a series of fun experiments to discover the effects of pressure and explore how pressure differences can be used to float, lift, transport, or hold a material in place.

Students investigate how to make a lever. For this construction lesson plan, students explore how to construct a lever using dog and tail templates, cardboard, and fasteners. Students construct their simple machine in order to learn...

In this simple machines worksheet, students match the simple machine to its definition. Students then identify the pictures by the type of machine it represents. This worksheet has 6 matching and 12 fill in the blank questions.

Students experience work and power and observe the process of entropy. In this physics lesson, students conduct an experiment that shows work (force & distance), power (work/time), and exemplifies the process of entropy.

Young scholars investigate simple machines. In this simple machines lesson, students explore how tools increase productivity and make life easier. Young scholars experiment with simple tools and discover the parts of each tool.

Students use FoilSim to demonstrate that the graphic analysis of the airflow around one object can be used to hypothesize airflow graphs for objects as they are elongated from a sphere to an airfoil shape.

Students investigate the lever and the mathematics associated with levers. They determine the conditions necessary to balance a system of forces around a fulcrum.

Fourth graders examine the physics behind and uses for inclined planes, screws, and wedges. They determine examples of how these simple machines are used in daily life. Working in three small groups, they move from station to station...

Students practice the concepts of pitch, yaw and roll. They practice pitch, yaw, roll in a make-believe airplane simulator. Students explore about air, forces, and movement of flight. They read for themselves about air; lift, dragweight,...

In this levers worksheet, students conduct an experiment on lifting levers including materials such as pennies, stickers, pencils, and weights. Students then answer 2 questions about what they found.