Lesson Plan
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: Engineering: Simple Machines

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Simple machines are devices with few or no moving parts that make work easier. Students are introduced to the six types of simple machines - the wedge, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, screw, and pulley - in the context of the...
Activity
The Franklin Institute

Franklin Institute Online: Simple Machines

For Students 6th - 8th
Information on all six simple machines, nicely presented with extra information available for all. Other sources available. Do "Try This Demonstration."
Handout
Other

University of Arkansas: Simple Machines

For Students 9th - 10th
A thorough discussion of all the simple machines, beginning with some thoughts on mechanical advantage and conservation of energy. Very complete. Move down to the section that interests you.
Interactive
Beacon Learning Center

Beacon Learning Center: Simple Machines Made Simple

For Students 1st - 5th
The six types of simple machines are explained clearly through pictures, text and videos.
Unit Plan
Sophia Learning

Sophia: Simple Machines: Lesson 2

For Students 9th - 10th
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."
PPT
Sophia Learning

Sophia: Simple Machines: Lesson 1

For Students 9th - 10th
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."
Article
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Simple Machines and How to Use This Tutorial

For Students 6th - 8th
There are six simple machines. They are as follows: lever, wheel, pulley, incline plane, wedge, and screw. This tutorial will cover the first three.
Handout
Science Struck

Science Struck: Simple Machines for Kids

For Students 2nd - 4th
Gives short descriptions of the six types of simple machines.
Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

Alex: How to Make Something Simple, Hard

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers will have completed a unit of forces and motion prior to the current unit of study on simple machines (lever, inclined plane, screw, wedge, pulley, wheel and axle). Students will review the functions and examples of...
Handout
The Franklin Institute

Spotlighting Simple Machines

For Students 3rd - 8th
Simple machines such as inclined planes in wedges and screws are explained.
Lesson Plan
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)

Smile: Simple Machines (Grades 1 To12)

For Teachers 9th - 10th
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.
Website
Ducksters

Ducksters: Physics for Kids: Simple Machines

For Students 1st - 9th
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.
Lesson Plan
NASA

Nasa: Simple Machines

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
A lesson plan site that contains activities designed to give grades 3 and 4 experiences in using simple machines.
Lesson Plan
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: Simple Machines and Modern Day Engineering Analogies

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students apply the mechanical advantages and problem-solving capabilities of six types of simple machines (wedge, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, screw, pulley) as they discuss modern structures in the spirit of the engineers and...
Handout
Integrated Publishing

Integrated Publishing/the Screw

For Students 9th - 10th
A full and complete discussion of the simple machine called the screw, a modified inclined plane. Many examples and drawings and applications.
Handout
Scholastic

Scholastic: Dirtmeister's Science Reporters: Simple Machines: The Screw

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Scholastic provides an in-depth description here of a simple machine called The Screw. Also provides a picture and several examples for understanding.
Activity
Read Works

Read Works: Machines Can Move

For Teachers 2nd
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about simple machines people use every day. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Activity
Read Works

Read Works: Machines Can Move!

For Students 2nd
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about simple machines used in daily life such as: a pulley, a screw, an inclined plane, a wheel and axle, a wedge, and a lever. A question sheet is available to help students build...
Unit Plan
CK-12 Foundation

Ck 12: Physical Science: Screw

For Students 7th - 9th
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] What a screw is, how it works and its mechanical advantage.
Handout
Utah Education Network

Uen: Force, Energy, and Motion: Complex Machines for Simple Tasks!

For Students 3rd - 8th
Designed for Grade Eight, this collection of lessons provides information, examples and quizzes related to simple machines. Elementary students studying this topic will find this site informative as well.
Unknown Type
University of Houston

University of Houston: Simple Machines Learning Site

For Students 3rd - 5th
Simple descriptions and drawings of simple machines. Click on each image for a further explanation and examples.
Handout
Other

Archimedes Screw: Engravings

For Students 9th - 10th
This site, maintained by Dr. Chris Rorres of Drexel University, demonstrates how the design of Archimedes screw has made lasting impressions upon modern society. These historic engravings demonstrate the practical uses of the screw in...
Lesson Plan
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)

Smile: Simple Machines

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
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.
Handout
NASA

Nasa: Simple Machine Resource Chart

For Students 3rd - 8th
This site provides a chart that lists the six simple machines, defines them, explains how it helps and gives examples.