PBS
Pbs Learning Media: The Ruff Ruffman Show: Ups and Downs
Explore sports science and build a ramp that will roll a ball right to the target.
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.
Sophia Learning
Sophia: Normal Force: Lesson 1
This lesson introduces the concept of normal forces. It is 1 of 2 in the series titled "Normal Force."
Scholastic
Scholastic: Dirtmeister's Science Reporters: Simple Machines: The Screw
Scholastic provides an in-depth description here of a simple machine called The Screw. Also provides a picture and several examples for understanding.
NASA
Nasa: The Screw
In this lesson plan students learn how to make a screw and compare how many turns it takes for different screws to embed into a piece of wood.
Sophia Learning
Sophia: Simple Machines: Lesson 2
This lesson will introduce the six types of simple machines and show how machines can increase efficiency by reducing work input needed. It is 2 of 2 in the series titled "Simple Machines."
Sophia Learning
Sophia: Simple Machines: Lesson 1
This lesson will introduce the six types of simple machines and show how machines can increase efficiency by reducing work input needed. It is 1 of 2 in the series titled "Simple Machines."
Google
Google for Education: Modeling Pendulums Using Computational Thinking
In this demonstration, students learn how to use computational thinking to discover the laws which govern a pendulum's swing.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Simple Machines Quiz
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart consists of a humorous quiz on identifying simple machines and forces of motion such as gravity and inertia.
University of Houston
University of Houston: Simple Machines Learning Site
Simple descriptions and drawings of simple machines. Click on each image for a further explanation and examples.
Science Struck
Science Struck: Simple Machines for Kids
Gives short descriptions of the six types of simple machines.
Science Struck
Science Struck: Guide to Mechanical Weathering and Its Major Types
Describes the different types of mechanical weathering and how each of them breaks down rocks.
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)
Smile: Lab Activity, Rotational Inertia
A lab activity in which students observe the rolling of objects along an inclined plane. The the rotational inertia of the objects are compared based upon their acceleration along the incline. Directions and assessment ideas are given.
Curated OER
Integrated Publishing: Applications of the Screw
Describes common uses of the screw, including its relationship the the inclined plane and mechanical advantage.
Curated OER
Integrated Publishing: Applications of the Screw
Describes common uses of the screw, including its relationship the the inclined plane and mechanical advantage.
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.
NASA
Nasa: Simple Machines
A lesson plan site that contains activities designed to give grades 3 and 4 experiences in using simple machines.
University of Virginia
Uva Physics: Using Vectors to Describe Motion
Background information on vectors and their use in describing motion in two dimensions. A comparison of Aristotle's and Galileo's perspectives on force and motion is given.
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.
NASA
Nasa: Simple Machine Resource Chart
This site provides a chart that lists the six simple machines, defines them, explains how it helps and gives examples.
PBS
Wgbh: Peep and the Big Wide World: Read and Discuss: Ten on the Sled
Discussion and integrations ideas for the read aloud book, Ten on the Sled by Kim Norman.
PBS
Wgbh: Peep and the Big Wide World: Explore and Play: Snowy Hills
Students make two snowy hills, one steep and one gentle, to discover their effects on rolling objects.
PBS
Wgbh: Peep and the Big Wide World: Down the Slide
Take the students out to the playground so they can explore things that go down the slide.
PBS
Wgbh: Peep and the Big Wide World: Steep and Steeper
Students explore what happens to a rolling object when the steepness of the ramp is increased.