Concord Consortium
Concord Consortium: Molecular Workbench Showcase: Physics, Mechanics
A collection of simulations representing concepts discussed in a mechanics unit of physics.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physical Science: Pulley
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] What a pulley is and the three basic types, and the mechanical advantage of a pulley.
Physics Aviary
Physics Aviary: Moment of Inertia of Pulley
This lab is designed to have students learn how the size, mass and mass distribution of a pulley influences the rate at which a mass attached to the pulley will accelerate. The pulley is frictionless and the string's mass is negligible.
Physics Aviary
Physics Aviary: Pulley Lab
This lab is designed to have students find the relationship between the number of pulleys used and the force required to lift a mass. Students will see that it is not actually the number of pulleys that matter, but the number of strings...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12 Exploration Series: Simulations: Physics: Block and Tackle
[Free Registration/Login Required] A video module where students learn about the relationship between force, work, energy, and mechanical advantage using a simple machine.
American Association of Physics Teachers
Com Padre Digital Library: Open Source Physics: Atwood Machine in Fluid Model
Simulation of an Atwood machine where two masses of varying densities are suspended in water using a pulley system. Adjust the densities of the masses, their positions and the water level to see how the changing gravitational, buoyant,...
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.
Sophia Learning
Sophia: Forces in a Rope & Pulley System: Lesson 2
This lesson explains what forces are acting on objects which are at rest or moving in a rope and pulley system. It is 2 of 2 in the series titled "Forces in a Rope & Pulley System."
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Newtons Laws: Atwoods Machine Interactive
Create an Atwood's machine and a modified Atwood's machine in this interactive. Change the amount of mass on either object, introduce friction forces, and measure distance and time in order to calculate the acceleration.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physical Science: Mechanical Advantage
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Actual and ideal mechanical advantage, how to calculate them and the mechanical advantage of different types of machines.
Soft Schools
Soft Schools: Physics Quizzes: Simple Machines
Assess your understanding of the six simple machines with this interactive multiple choice quiz. Immediate feedback is available.
Ohio State University
Ohio State Univ.: Simple Machines & Mechanical Advantage [Pdf]
This site details how simple machines create a mechanical advantage for humans. Levers, theoretical mechanical advantage, actual mechanical advantage, and pulley systems are discussed.
Walter Fendt
Walter Fendt: Apps Zur Physik
This site, in German, offers numerous apps that illustrate common physics principles. Apps are organized into categories: mechanics, oscillations and waves, electrodynamics, optics, thermodynamics, the theory of relativity, physics of...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Simple Machines and How to Use This Tutorial
There are six simple machines. They are as follows: lever, wheel, pulley, incline plane, wedge, and screw. This tutorial will cover the first three.
SEDL
Southwest Educational Development Laboratory: Simple Machines [Pdf]
This large PDF file contains seven lessons on simple machines. Includes illustrations. Requires Adobe Reader.
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)
Smile: Simple Machines (Grades 1 To12)
In this lesson plan students start by trying to open a paint can with their bare hands. Eventually, they will use a lever to open it. Various activities are used to enforce different simple machines.