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.
Curated OER
Simple Machines, Engines and the Environment
Fourth graders calculate the mechanical advantage of an inclined plane. In this physics lesson, 4th graders identify the different types of simple machines and their uses. They give examples of compound machines.
PHET
Energy Skate Park
Apply the concepts of conservation of energy to a skater to introduce a fun way the concepts apply to real life. Scholars build tracks, ramps, and jumps then analyze the various types of energy and friction. For an added challenge,...
Curated OER
Slide Right On By Using an Inclined Plane
Fourth graders examine the simple machine known as a plane. They build their own pyramid and identify the role of screws. They participate in a hands-on activity in which they determine the angle in which to make it easier to pull.
Curated OER
Mechanically Inclined
Eighth graders examine the mechanical advantage of an inclined plane through experimentation.
Curated OER
Directions for Making an Inclined Plane
In this simple machines worksheet, students follow the 5 directions and create a model of an inclined plane. Materials needed are a pencil, paper and tape.
Curated OER
Plane Pretenders
Students examine simple machines evaluating a screw as an inclined plane. In this simple machines lesson, students use nuts and bolts and a microscopic vantage point to discover how to find an inclined plane. Students measure the...
Evergreen Exhibitions
Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion
Motion is the focus of ten hands-on activities that challenge scholars to build machines invented by Leonardo da Vinci. Following several steps, small groups work collaboratively to recreate machines including levers, pulleys, wheels,...
K20 LEARN
ADA Accessibility: Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Ramp up using trigonometric ratios. After receiving a request to check school ramps to verify they meet ADA requirements, groups calculate the angle of the incline on ramps on campus. They report their findings via a letter to the...
101 Questions
Nana's Lemonade
Consistency is the key. One lemon wedge per glass of water makes a nice glass of lemonade. Young scholars must identify the number of lemon wedges they need to make the same lemonade in a big gulp cup. They develop their own...
CK-12 Foundation
Preschool Races
What determines which ball rolls the fastest — the weight, the radius, the material, or something else? Scholars select two balls to race down the inclined plane, determining their material and radius. As they race, the simulation graphs...
Radford University
Ramp It Up
Pupils gather measurements of real-world objects that have slopes. They then plot the measurements and find an equation of a line that fits the measurements. Finally, groups investigate the ADA and determine whether different ramps meet...
Curated OER
On The Go! Forces and Motion
Students create a car using physics. In this forces and motion lesson plan, students create a car and test which changes in design change the performance of the car. Students complete a graphic organizer with the different...
Curated OER
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...
Curated OER
Ramp Builder
Learners plan and build a ramp designed for maximum distance a car can travel. In this physics and data collection math lesson, students work in groups to design a ramp using various household materials. Learners test small cars on their...
Curated OER
Pyramid Building: How to Use a Wedge
Students explore the simple machine of a wedge. In this wedge lesson, students test wedges on different materials including wax, soap, clay and foam. They learn how a wedge was used to build the ancient pyramid and modern day skyscrapers.
Curated OER
Ramps 1: Let it Roll!
Learners 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.
Mr. E. Science
Work and Machines
What would you be if you were attached to another object by an inclined plane wrapped helically around an axis? In this fourth presentation that covers work and simple machines, young physicists look at Newtons and Joules as...
Curated OER
Matching Types of Simple Machines
In this matching types of simple machines worksheet, 5th graders read the definition and examples of simple machines, then match 10 pictures of devices with 4 categories.
Curated OER
Math Mediator Lesson 10: Slope
Students explore the concept of slope. In this Algebra I lesson, students investigate the definition of slope as rise over run or change in y compared to change in x. The lesson includes a real-world problem in which the...
Curated OER
Incline Planes
In this inclined planes worksheet, students review the equations for mechanical advantage using forces or distance. Students complete 6 matching, 11 fill in the blank, and 6 problems to solve.
Curated OER
Forces and Motion -- The Downhill Racer
Students examine the movement of a car on an inclined plane and on a flat surface. Using the amount of drops the car releases, they determine if it was traveling at a constant speed or not. They graph the velocity and acceleration rates...
Curated OER
Rice Up!
In this science investigation activity, students follow the directions to perform an experiment with inclined planes. Students record their data on a chart and answer 2 essay questions.
Curated OER
Gymnastic Skills
Young scholars use gymnastics beams, benches, mats, and wedges to practice gymnastics skills. In this gymnastics lesson plan, students practice balancing, tumbling, and jumping skills.