Purdue University
Simple Machines – Dog Gone It!
How can people use simple machines to solve real-world STEM problems? Learn about simple machines using a hands-on, project-based learning activity. First, pupils investigate and evaluate simple machines. Then, they receive a task that...
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Simple Machines - Museum of Science and Industry
In this museum student guide worksheet, students make a mini-book about simple machines to be used during a visit to the Museum of Science and Industry. They locate the exhibits that demonstrate the wedge, inclined plane, screw, lever,...
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Applied Science - Technology (2A) Lab
Second graders experiment with simple machines. In this machine lesson, 2nd graders go to different labs to see examples of a lever, inclined plane, wedge, pulley, gears, and wheel and axle. They discuss how a machine makes work a lot...
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Simple Machines
Here is an inventive plan that should get your young scientists excited! In it, groups of pupils test out the work done by six different simple machines. The machines are: the wedge, the lever, the inclined plane, the pulley, the screw,...
Teach Engineering
Not So Simple
Compound machines, nothing more than a combination of simple machines working together, are the focus of an activity that asks class members to use the provided information to take a look at the way innovators combine simple machines to...
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Matching Types of Simple Machines
In this matching types of simple machines learning exercise, 5th graders read the definition and examples of simple machines, then match 10 pictures of devices with 4 categories.
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Applied Science - Technology (KA) Pre Lab
Students explore tools. In this tool lesson plan, students see how tools and machines were invented to help people work easier. They see different types of simple machines such as wheel and axle, lever, and wedge.
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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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Simple Machines
Fifth graders create a Power Point presentation to relate to their study of simple machines. They create a title page, a page introducing six simple machines, slides explaining real world use to each simple machine and import pictures...
Magic of Physics
Moving Toy Mechanisms
Who says playing around in class is a bad idea? Precocious physicists engage in building mechanisms that include cams, gears, pulleys, and levers using an interactive lesson. After completing toy tutorials about each topic, users build a...
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Learning the Basic Levers...One, Two, Three: Different Basic Arrangements Levers
Fifth graders read information about levers. They complete worksheets to summarize their learning. This instructional activity relies heavily on the Silver Burdett Ginn text, Science Discovery Works, Energy, Work, and Machines. The...
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Qualitative Examples of Conservation of Mechanical Energy
Instructions for series of six activites, a reading of scientific literature, and a choice of six assessments await you in this physics resource. Well-written plans guide you in guiding your pupils to experiment with levers, pulleys,...
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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...
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Brown Paper Bag Simple Machine
Students explore simple machines. In this simple machines science lesson, students work with a partner to identify what kind of simple machine is represented by a variety of household objects placed in paper bags. Students...
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Changes in Force, Motion, and Energy
Eighth graders construct various machines and compare the work done by them.
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Science Review for Grade 3 (3.5)
In this science review for grade 3 (3.5) learning exercise, 3rd graders answer 25 multiple choice questions in standardized test format about fossils, simple machines and heat transfer.
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Understanding Simple Machines
In this simple machines learning exercise, students read about various types of simple machines. They then use what they learned to answer 17 questions. The answers are on the last page.
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Third Grade Science Multiple Choice Practice
In this 3rd grade science worksheet, 3rd graders complete a total of 25 multiple choice questions related to grade 3 concepts. An answer key is given.
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The Lever Family
In this lever instructional activity, students determine the ideal mechanical advantage for different classes of levers. This instructional activity has 6 problems to solve.
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Simple Machines and Mechanical Advantage
In this machines worksheet, students review the six simple machines and how to calculate mechanical advantage. Students complete 8 matching, 16 fill in the blank, and 6 problems to solve.
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Investigating Pulleys
Students investigate pulleys and see how they have a mechanical advantage in lifting heavy loads. In this pulley lesson plan students make a hypothesis, complete and experiment then complete a worksheet.
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If Simple Machines Weren't Around...Worksheet
In this simple machines worksheet, students fill out a chart involving 6 simple machines while explaining the function and benefits of each one. Students describe which simple machine they feel has had the greatest impact on mankind.
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4th Grade Science
In this physical science worksheet, 4th graders complete multiple choice questions about force, simple machines, communication and more. Students complete 25 questions.
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Simple Machines
Learners create a pyramid design based on the 6 simple machines that they are introduced to. In this simple machines lesson plan, students are introduced to the wedge, wheel and axle, inclined plane, screw, and pulley.