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. 

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,...

In this wheels and axles worksheet, learners read a 1 page article, make a list of how many objects they can find or think if that uses a wheel or axle and then design their own machine.

Students apply information regarding simple machines along with the math concept "ratios." The teacher introduces the concept that technology is the application of scientific knowledge and mathematics concepts to solve a problem. This is...

Young scholars investigate simple machines and their uses in everyday life.  In this scientific method lesson, students examine physical tools such as wedges, screws, and levers using a "how does it work" approach.  Young...

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.

Students use basic materials to create four simple machines. In this introduction to simple machines lesson, students are given four different scenarios that require a simple machine in order to solve. The students use devices such as a...

Fourth graders predict, observe, and compare what happens when a force is applied to an object. For this forces lesson, 4th graders complete a 'swinging hammer' activity to learn about forces and motion.