Activity
The Franklin Institute

Franklin Institute Online: Simple Machines

For Students 6th - 8th
Information on all six simple machines, nicely presented with extra information available for all. Other sources available. Do "Try This Demonstration."
Lesson Plan
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)

Smile: Potential Energy: How Is It Related to Kinetic Energy

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
After creating three different ramps with various heights, students will release toy cars from the tops of each ramp. Based on the elementary age level, students will collect data and analyze it.
Lesson Plan
SEDL

Southwest Educational Development Laboratory: Simple Machines [Pdf]

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
This large PDF file contains seven lessons on simple machines. Includes illustrations. Requires Adobe Reader.
Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

Alex: How to Make Something Simple, Hard

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students will have completed a unit of forces and motion prior to the current unit of study on simple machines (lever, inclined plane, screw, wedge, pulley, wheel and axle). Students will review the functions and examples of simple...
Website
University of Virginia

Uva Physics: Using Vectors to Describe Motion

For Students 9th - 10th
Background information on vectors and their use in describing motion in two dimensions. A comparison of Aristotle's and Galileo's perspectives on force and motion is given.
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.
Handout
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: What Is Friction?

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about the force of friction on this reference page which defines why friction is important and how it can change physic problems.