Ducksters
Ducksters: Physics for Kids: Simple Machines
Kids learn about the science behind simple machines such as levers, wheels, pulleys, inclined planes, and screws. How they work together to make complex machinery.
PBS
Wgbh: Peep and the Big Wide World: Explore and Play: Sliding Peep
Students make their own ramps and test them out by sending various objects down them.
PBS
Wgbh: Peep and the Big Wide World: Share the Day's Discoveries
Share and discuss ideas the students have about ramps and rolling objects.
PBS
Wgbh: Peep and the Big Wide World: Share the Day's Discoveries
Discuss classroom explorations and discoveries about ramps.
PBS
Wgbh: Peep and the Big Wide World: Explore and Play: Toy Sleds
Students experiment with different materials and objects to make a sled that will slide down the ramps.
University of Houston
University of Houston: Simple Machines Learning Site: Wedge
Several examples, along with a definition and explanation of the simple machine, the wedge.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Curious George Stem: Ramp N Roll Lesson Plan
Explore how different objects move down ramps in this Curious George instructional activity. Students will make predictions about how objects will roll down different heights of ramps.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Energy of Motion
By taking a look at the energy of motion all around us, students learn about the types of energy and their characteristics. They first learn about the two simplest forms of mechanical energy: kinetic and potential energy, as illustrated...
Government of Alberta
Learn Alberta: Math Interactives: Exploring Square Roots Video
This video illustrates the concepts of square roots, slope, and the Pythagorean Theorem as they are used in designing and constructing skate park rails, ramps, and pipes. An interactive activity is also included where students are able...
University of California
University of California at Berkeley: Understanding Science: Mystery Boxes
An interesting lesson where students collaborate to create a visual image of what the inside of a sealed box looks like. The box has a marble or other type of sphere inside it, as well as partitions and/or ramps. Students come to...
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Energy Skate Park
Build tracks, ramps and jumps in a skate park to learn about energy.
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Energy Skate Park
Learn about conservation of energy with a skater dude. Build tracks, ramps, and jumps for the skater and view the kinetic energy, potential energy and friction as he moves.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Splash, Pop, Fizz: Rube Goldberg Machines
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...
Better Lesson
Better Lesson: Exploring Force and Motion
Students will explore what they can do with balls, cars, marbles, and ramps and document findings in their science journals. This will engage their curiosity, allow them to make self-discoveries, and explore self-interests.
Curated OER
Integrated Publishing/the Screw
A full and complete discussion of the simple machine called the screw, a modified inclined plane. Many examples and drawings and applications.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12 Exploration Series: Simulations: Physics: Ramp and Piano
[Free Registration/Login Required] This module has students using a simple machine to learn about the relationship between work, force, and energy.
SEDL
Southwest Educational Development Laboratory: Simple Machines [Pdf]
This large PDF file contains seven lessons on simple machines. Includes illustrations. Requires Adobe Reader.
National Geographic
National Geographic: Encyclopedia: Ocean Trench
Comprehensive information about deep-ocean trenches. Includes maps, a video [1:29], and a vocabulary list.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: A Simple Solution for the Circus
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...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Modern Day Pyramids
Students investigate the ways in which ancient technologies - six types of simple machines and combinations - are used to construct modern buildings. As they work together to solve a design problem (designing and building a modern...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: There's a Machine in My Toy Box!
Simple machines are everywhere, even many of your toys are simple machines. Come visit this science fair project and explore the six types of simple machines. Find out how many are hiding under the hinged lid (yes, another simple...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physics Simulation: Preschool Races
[Free Registration/Login Required] Learn about the relationship between rotational and translational kinetic energy, and how each are exchanged when objects roll down inclined ramps using this interactive simulation. A PDF worksheet and...
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)
Smile: Simple Machines
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.
Oswego City School District
Regents Exam Prep Center: Reference Angles and Triangles
The mathematics session investigates reference angles and triangles. The tutorial consists of class notes, examples, and practice problems with solutions. The teacher resource includes a worksheet on the construction of skateboarding ramps.