Curated OER
Simple Machines in the Home
Students explore simple machines used in the home. In this simple machines lesson plan, students discover that many household items are constructed from simple machines. Students interact with nutcrackers, peelers, egg slicers, and egg...
Curated OER
Break It Down!
Students explore the everyday implications of system failure. They are challenged to identify the causes of system failure.
Physics LAB
Freebody Diagrams #4
In this freebody diagram worksheet, students solve fourteen problems using given graphs of mass-less and friction-less pulleys. Students find the tension in the strings on the pulley, the velocity of the objects, the coefficients of...
Curated OER
Wheels and Axles 1
Students investigate how and why wheels are used in different types of machines. They work in teams trying to move a heavy box with and without dowels and discuss which way is easier to move the box. Next, they conduct an experiment...
Curated OER
Challenger's Lost Lessons - The Lost Simple Machines Lesson
Students investigate the characteristics of simple machines. For this simple machine lesson, students investigate work as a product of applying constant force. They answer questions about what happens on Earth and what may have happened...
Curated OER
Move It!
Third graders examine simple machines. In this simple machines lesson, 3rd graders observe simple machines at work in a video, then experiment with creating their own simple machines to move objects.
Curated OER
Pulling with a CEENBoT!
Students investigate the pulling force of CEENBoT. In this physics lesson, students suggest modifications to increase the kinetic coefficient of friction and eventually the pulling force. They write a complete lab report about the...
Curated OER
A Focus on Mechanical Friction
High schoolers explore mechanical friction. They perform experiments to observe the direction of mechanical motion and the difference between rolling and sliding friction. Data results on the experiments are recorded and students...
Curated OER
Simple Machines
Fourth graders choose a simple machine and write about they way they believe it will work. Students experiment, write down procedures used and record observations. They will find a picture of the machine and add it to their report.
Curated OER
We Have Work To Do - Science
Students begin to think of ways to make work easier. They will focus on ways to extend their abilities to lift heavy things. They will identify levers, pulleys, and inclined planes through the examination of concrete objects and hands on...
Curated OER
Simply Unique
Pupils identify, compare and contrast simple machines and their functions. They work together in groups to complete experiments using the simple machines. They write in their journals to reflect on the lesson.
Colorado State University
Can Gravity Push Something Up?
How does a hot air balloon fly? An experimental lesson has scholars build a balloon from a garbage bag and monitor the movement of air. As the temperature of the air in the balloon increases, gravity moves the denser cool air down,...
Curated OER
Simple Machines
Eighth graders work together in groups to introduce themselves to the six types of simple machines. They are to record what the machine does, its mechanical advantage and identify real world situations in which they are used. They...
Curated OER
Van de Graaff Generator
High schoolers explore static electricity using the Van de Graaff generator. In this physics lesson, students construct their own Van de Graaff using simple materials. They explain how charges accumulate on this device.
Curated OER
Suspension Bridge
Students view a video clip about suspension bridges. They discover what forces support this type of bridge. They build their own suspension bridge using classroom materials.
Curated OER
Properties of Matter (Biomaterial Through Nanotechnology)
Students investigate friction between different surfaces. In this physics instructional activity, students research biomaterials that can reduce friction. They calculate efficiency using a mathematical formula.
Curated OER
Simple Machines
Students engage in a instructional activity that explores the concept of simple machines. They view a powerpoint media presentation and then are introduced to adult volunteers for the instructional activity. Each volunteer is at a...
Museum of Science
Gadget Anatomy: Understanding Machines
Students observe a machine closely from several angles while it operates. Identify the elements of machines combined in different gadgets. Create a clear diagram of how a machine works.
Curated OER
Let Us Bond Together
Fourth graders paricipate in a demonstration about bond strengths and bond types.
Curated OER
Exploring the Properties of Matter in the Preschool
Students study the properties of the physical and natural world. In this properties of the physical and natural world lesson plan, preschool students work at discovery tables to see how simple machines work, what happens when items are...
Curated OER
Electricity and Magnets
In this physics review learning exercise, students compare average and instantaneous speed, review Newton's laws, electricity, and magnets. This learning exercise has 12 fill in the blank, 8 short answer questions, and 6 problems to solve.
Curated OER
The Concept of Energy
In this energy learning exercise, students read about the discoveries of Galileo and how different philosophers contributed to our understanding of energy. Then students complete 4 short answer questions.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Simple Machines Internet Research
Learners identify six types of simple machines, then use the Internet for research.
Curated OER
Attributes of Accuracy
Middle schoolers explain necessity in using accurate instruments when measuring, and how measurements can be checked for accuracy. They make a six-inch ruler, design, test, and evaluate a system to measure work, and produce a table and...