Southwest Educational Development Laboratory
Simple Machines
Simple doesn't mean useless. Individuals learn how simple machines benefit the user by changing the amount of effort. A seven-lesson unit begins with an overview of simple machines and then incorporates activities that allow the user to...
Norwich Institute for Language Education
Simple Machines
Planning a unit on simple machines? Save some time and energy with this collection of lessons and activities that explores how these devices are used in the real world to make life a little easier.
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Simple Machines
Here is an inventive plan that should get your young scientists excited! In it, groups of pupils test out the work done by six different simple machines. The machines are: the wedge, the lever, the inclined plane, the pulley, the screw,...
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An Introduction to Simple Machines
Learners investigate simple machines and their uses in everyday life. In this scientific method lesson plan, students examine physical tools such as wedges, screws, and levers using a "how does it work" approach. Learners...
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Simple Machines
In this simple machines worksheet, students read about different simple machines and then complete word problems about a ramp and a lever. Students complete 2 word problems.
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Summer Machines Activity: How Can We Move This Box of Blocks?
Learners discover there's more than one way to move a heavy load. In this problem solving lesson, students use observation and problem-solving skills as they experiment with simple machines in order to transport loads.
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Experiments with Levers
Students investigate levers. In this simple machine instructional activity, students study levers and the mechanical advantage of using levers. They will collect data and illustrate their systems for eight different tests.
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The Gear Game
Students discuss that the conservatin of energy states that the energy imput must equal the energy output. They then figure out how can a machine help you to perform task otherwise considered impossible? Students discuss the six simple...
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Inverse (Indirect) Machines
Students observe relationships between quantities. Students complete activities for three different classes of levers. In groups, students build each type of lever. Students identify levers in their daily surroundings. Students observe...
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Who's the Frog Jumping Champion?
Students use a simple machine (a lever) to launch a plastic frog. students determine who is able to make their frog "jump" the farthest and graph the results.
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It's So Simple
Learners use basic materials to create four simple machines. For this introduction to simple machines lesson, students are given four different scenarios that require a simple machine in order to solve. The learners use devices such as a...
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Simple Machines-Creative Group Writing
In this creative writing instructional activity, students work with a group, using words in a word bank to write a brief story about simple machines. Worksheet contains a link to additional activities.
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Smoses Toy Expo
Students research one of the simple machines listed in the lesson and review several simple machine websites to complete their research. Students use software and a watch a video to learn more about machines. Students create a poster...
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Changes in Force, Motion, and Energy
Eighth graders construct various machines and compare the work done by them.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Clipper Creations
Students create their own model of a nail clipper. They practice using engineering design and model building. They also identify different kinds of small levers.
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Getting into Shape
Students identify 3-D geometric shapes through different pieces of artwork. They examine and identify segments and angles. Students act out shapes and create a piece of artwork. Additional cross curriculum activities are listed.
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Designing a Safe City Like a Civil Engineer
Students study civil engineering, safety apparatuses in their city, and design their own city. In this civil engineering lesson, students discuss their towns safety apparatuses and define civil engineers. Students then design their own...
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Forces Applied to an Object
Fourth graders predict, observe, and compare what happens when a force is applied to an object. In this forces instructional activity, 4th graders complete a 'swinging hammer' activity to learn about forces and motion.