Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines III - Pulleys

For Teachers 4th
The principles behind pulleys, levers, and simple machines are the focus of a science lesson. In it, learners take part in a whole-class activity. There are two groups of pupils who each must lift objects with fixed pulleys and multiple...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines: Pulleys

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students observe and analyze how pulleys work and how a double pulley can make work easier. In small groups they use a fixed pulley system and a double pulley system and draw a picture of how their pulley system functions. Students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines-Pulleys

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders understand what a pulley is and how it works. In this simple machines, pulley lesson plan students experiment with broom sticks creating a pulley. Students observe how the pulley moves in its different trials.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines - Museum of Science and Industry

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
In this museum student guide worksheet, students make a mini-book about simple machines to be used during a visit to the Museum of Science and Industry. They locate the exhibits that demonstrate the wedge, inclined plane, screw, lever,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Inclined Plane and Pulley

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students describe how inclined plane and pulleys make work easier. In this physics lesson, students calculate work done and mechanical advantage of both simple machines. They collect data from the experiment and construct graphs.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students engage in a lesson that explores the concept of simple machines. They view a powerpoint media presentation and then are introduced to adult volunteers for the lesson. Each volunteer is at a station with a simple machine and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Challenger's Lost Lessons - The Lost Simple Machines Lesson

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students investigate the characteristics of simple machines. In 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...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring Simple Machines

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students investigate simple machines. In this simple machines lesson, students study how simple machines work. Students determine the function of various simple machines.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Simple Block and Tackle Pulley Demonstration

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers investigate the scientific concept of mechanical advantage. They construct their own system with the use of a simple broomstick. Then the demonstration is done to show how the mechanical advantage is used to move a load.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Powerful Pulleys

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Young scholars explore the building of a pyramid and how pulleys were used to change the direction of applied force. They demonstrate the mechanical advantage of using a pulley and apply it to modern engineering.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Applied Science - Technology (1B) Pre Lab

For Teachers 1st
First graders explore simple machines. In this technology lesson plan, 1st graders review pulleys, levers, wedges, and ramps. They experiment with lifting items with and without these simple machines. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines III - Pulleys

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders are introduced to a spring scale to show that the forces on both sides of the pulley are the same. They break into groups to lift objects with fixed pulleys and with multiple looped pulleys and then measure the force...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pulley Power

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders engage in a manipulative experiment in the mechanical advantage of simple machines. It graphically demonstrates the change in magnitude of applied force when using simple machines. Great for ESL to discover the ratio...
Lesson Plan
Museum of Science

Gadget Anatomy: Understanding Machines

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Learners 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.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Stop Pulling My Bot Around!

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the relationship between work and mechanical advantage. In this physics activity, students calculate the work and efficiency of pulleys. They identify the different types of pulleys.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Investigating Pulleys

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students investigate pulleys and see how they have a mechanical advantage in lifting heavy loads.  In this pulley lesson students make a hypothesis, complete and experiment then complete a worksheet. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring the Properties of Matter in the Preschool

For Teachers Pre-K
Students study the properties of the physical and natural world. In this properties of the physical and natural world lesson, preschool students work at discovery tables to see how simple machines work, what happens when items are put...