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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Forces Applied to an Object

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

Simple Machines or Are They?

For Students 2nd - 4th
In this science worksheet, students examine and discuss ten examples of simple machines to understand how they work and then color them.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

You Got The Whole World In Your Hands: Geology, Earth's Layers, Science

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students make a model of the Earth's crust out of foam in order to better explain the make-up of the Earth's layers. They add continents and oceans.
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Lesson Plan
Museum of Science

Gadget Anatomy: Understanding Machines

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

If You Give a Mouse A Cookie

For Teachers 1st - 5th
Students are read the book "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" and develop their own story. They use a literature wheel to determine what the mouse will want next. They share their wheels with a friend.
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Unit Plan
Colorado Unit Writing Project

Simple Machines

For Teachers 2nd - 5th Standards
Planning an elementary science unit has never been simpler! These twelve lessons guide young scientists through an exploration of simple machines and their many uses in the real world before asking them to apply their learning in the...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Becoming One With Clay: Pinch Pots

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Explore the making of a pinch pot using this resource. Learners discuss the properties of clay, including its molecular structure. Then, they make their own clay pot. As they work, they identify the techniques used to make a pinch pot,...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mallard's Wetland Olympics

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Students observe plants and animals of a wetland and then compare their ability to move with different animals by undertaking the exercises on a downloadable page.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Making a Chiminea

For Teachers 7th
A chiminea is an outdoor fireplace usually made from terracotta. Your class will make miniature versions of this useful heating device to practice specific sculpting techniques. This lesson spans four days. It includes vocabulary and an...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders work together in groups to introduce themselves to the six types of simple machines. They are to record what the machine does, its mechanical advantage and identify real world situations in which they are used. They...
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Lesson Plan
Chandler Unified School District

Art Masterpiece—Leonardo da Vinci Inventions

For Teachers 6th
After getting to know the inventor, Leonardo da Vinci and his many inventions, scholars think up their own invention. Following a written description and a hand-drawn picture, learners use a method of mirror writing and antiquing to give...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Gross Domestic Pizza

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers explore major components of gross domestic product (GDP) and how it is determined; students create and compare GDP pie charts for the countries of Pepperonia and Anchovia.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ramps

For Teachers K - 2nd
Learners experiment to see how various objects roll down ramps. In this ramp lesson, students observe weight, size, and material of objects.  Learners compare speeds by using a second ramp.  
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple/Complex Machines

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students make a simple machine. In this physics lesson, students learn about six types of simple machines and the purpose of each and brainstorm examples of simple and complex machines in the classroom. Students create a simple or...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Roll with the Punches: Depression Era Machinery

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students construct models of simple and complicated machines with Legos. Then they design an experiment using the scientific method. ESE modifications included.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Make Life Simple

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students examine six simple machines by looking at pictures of real world objects.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Talking Rocks

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders explain the difference between Petroglyphs and Pictographs from Ancient Native American peoples. They create symbols that are representative of a story about their world.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Talking Rocks

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders consider the differences between pictographs and petroglyphs. They create symbols from a story about their worlds. They make pottery art.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Konnecting Simple Machines and K'Nex

For Teachers K - 6th
Students study and identify different types of simple machines and how they work. They design a simple machine.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machine Research

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders demonstrate the ability to use scientific skills and Processes to describe forces that act upon objects to cause specific changes in motion. They identify and describe a science problem related to forces and simple machines.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students investigate what simple machines are and how they work. In this simple machine lesson, the students create simple and compound machines and test each machine's ability to perform a task. Students compare simple machines to...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Weathering

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders explore weathering and how the water cycle plays a part in weathering. In this weathering lesson plan, 2nd graders put gravel and sugar cubes in a jar and shake, simulating weathering. Students use the scientific method to...
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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 plan, students calculate work done and mechanical advantage of both simple machines. They collect data from the experiment and construct graphs.
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Lesson Planet Article
Curated OER

Leprechaun Traps Using Simple Machines

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Are you looking for a fun way to incorporate St. Patrick's Day into your science curriculum? Try designing and building leprechaun traps!