Curated OER
Simple Machines I - Inclined Planes, Wedges, and Screws
The principles and uses of inclined planes, screws, and wedges are the focus of a science lesson. In it, youngsters come up with every day examples of simple machines, and build an example of one in class. That project is then used to...
Curated OER
Incline Planes
Students determine the forces necessary to move a truck on an inclined plane with weight and slope as variables. They identify the cheapest way to transport trash to local garbage disposal sites.
Curated OER
Inclined Plane and Pulley
Students describe how inclined plane and pulleys make work easier. In this physics lesson plan, students calculate work done and mechanical advantage of both simple machines. They collect data from the experiment and construct graphs.
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Ramps
Students experiment to see how various objects roll down ramps. For this ramp lesson, students observe weight, size, and material of objects. Students compare speeds by using a second ramp.
Curated OER
Ramps 1: Let It Roll!
Students explore and measure the rate of spherical objects rolling down a ramp. They discuss why different ramps work better than others, and practice procedures for testing designs and recording results.
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Ramps 2: Ramp Builder
Students design, build, and test their own ramps. They are introduced to a variety of materials and explore putting them together. Students engage in an inquiry-based learning experience to reinforce math, science, and technology...
Curated OER
Ramps 2: Ramp Builder
Students plan, build, and test a ramp that allows objects to roll far. After each group has tested out their ramps, allow them to test their design against the record previously established by the prototype ramp.
Curated OER
Objects Race 500
Young scholars explore the concept of "shape affects speed" through a series of experiments. In this physics instructional activity, students participate in an experiment in which various objects are released on an inclined plane. Speed...
Curated OER
Simple Machines Stations!
Fourth graders investigate the principles and uses of an inclined plane, screw, and wedge and identify examples of simple machines. They rotate through three experiment stations, complete a worksheet for each station, and read a handout...
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Do the Twist...(Learning about Screws)
Students investigate how screws are a twisted incline plane. They observe the teacher screw a screw into wood and participate in a class discussion. Next, they make and test a prediction about how the spacing of the threads on a screw...
Curated OER
A Slide is a Simple Machine
Students explore inclined planes. In this simple machines lesson, students conduct an experiment on a slide using a rope with a bag. Students observe the force needed to pull the bag to the top of the slide.
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My Angle on Cooling
Students explore how the angle and distance of an object can change it's temperature. After reviewing how the position of the Earth affects the temperature of the planet, student groups design and perform an experiment to test how...
Curated OER
We Have Work to Do!
An excellent lesson plan awaits your young scientists! In it, learners are invited to explore the world of pulleys, levers, and planes; simple machines that make lifting heavy things much, much easier. They watch video, and engage in...
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Let it Roll!
Students explore how various ramps affect the rate of speed of a rolling object. In this physics lesson, students work in groups to build a ramp out of various materials. Students test and record the rate of speed of a rolling object by...
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Ramp Builder
Learners plan and build a ramp designed for maximum distance a car can travel. In this physics and data collection math lesson plan, students work in groups to design a ramp using various household materials. Learners test small cars on...
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Emotional Speed with Balls and Ramps
Fifth graders investigate the relationship between mass and speed. In this physics instructional activity, 5th graders experiment with motion by being given a ramp, two balls, and blocks or books for elevation. Students determine how...
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Mr. and Miss Big Feet
Third graders experiment with gravitational force. In this physical science lesson, 3rd graders send matchbox cars off a ramp while changing the amount of weight attached to the car. Students record their data and discuss the results.
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Ramps 1: Let it Roll!
Students perform the following activity as a group so that they can gain experience with how ramps work. Students will first construct a simple ramp and then time how fast different objects roll down that ramp.
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Mechanically Inclined
Eighth graders examine the mechanical advantage of an inclined plane through experimentation.
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A Moving Experience - Forces and Inertia
Young scholars consider the first part of Newton's First Law of Motion, the Law of Inertia of objects at rest, which states that every object remains at rest unless acted on by a force. They perform hands-on experiments which demonstrate...
Curated OER
Applied Science - Technology (1B) Pre Lab
First graders explore simple machines. In this technology lesson, 1st graders review pulleys, levers, wedges, and ramps. They experiment with lifting items with and without these simple machines.
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Science Experiments - The Low-down
Third graders discover the process thinking about science experiments, and why they are important. They work in small groups using incline planes and a small toy car to design one scientific question that can be answered through...
Polytechnic Institute of NYU
Potential vs. Kinetic Energy
Legos in science class? Watch your pupils fall in love with this activity. After learning to measure potential and kinetic energy, young scientists create their own ramps using Lego Mindstorm sensors and software.