Curated OER
Density Lessons and the Oil Spill
Teachers can use the oil spill cleanup efforts as a springboard to discussions and activities related to density!
Curated OER
Simple Machines Worksheet
Simplify students' lives with this physical science note-taking guide. From inclined planes to moveable pulleys, this resource supports young scientists with defining each type of simple machine while identifying their mechanical...
Curated OER
Brown Paper Bag Simple Machine
Students explore simple machines. In this simple machines science lesson, students work with a partner to identify what kind of simple machine is represented by a variety of household objects placed in paper bags. Students write down...
Curated OER
You are Uniquely You
Students compare and contrast simple machines and their functions. In this cross-curriculum science simple machines lesson, students observe examples and read about simple machines, then use body movement to demonstrate how machines...
Curated OER
Simple Machines
Fifth graders create a Power Point presentation to relate to their study of simple machines. They create a title page, a page introducing six simple machines, slides explaining real world use to each simple machine and import pictures...
Curated OER
Glaciers and Ice Wedging
Fourth graders observe buckling sidewalks and potholes before attempting to determine how these things are caused. They freeze water filled plastic cups that have been covered. As the water freezes, the students observe what happens to...
Curated OER
An Introduction to Simple Machines
Students investigate simple machines and their uses in everyday life. For this scientific method lesson, students examine physical tools such as wedges, screws, and levers using a "how does it work" approach. Students complete...
Curated OER
Earth Changes
Students investigate the earth's structural layers by participating in hands-on activities. They identify the earth's structure and investigate earthquakes.
Curated OER
Sowing Seeds
Students observe earth science by participating in a planting activity. In this seeds lesson, students identify the process for seeds to transform into plants which eventually produce food. Students sow seeds in the ground and eventually...
Curated OER
Simple Machines I - Inclined Planes, Wedges, and Screws
Fourth graders examine the physics behind and uses for inclined planes, screws, and wedges. They determine examples of how these simple machines are used in daily life. Working in three small groups, they move from station to station...
Curated OER
Simple Machines in the Home
Students explore simple machines used in the home. In this simple machines lesson plan, students discover that many household items are constructed from simple machines. Students interact with nutcrackers, peelers, egg slicers, and egg...
Curated OER
Describing Nests
Students observe bird nests. In this observation level, students explore bird nests using their five senses. Students compare and contrast bird nests while hypothesizing about the need birds have to construct the nest.
Curated OER
Applied Science- Physics
Young scholars investigate how something at home uses physics to work. In this practical physics lesson plan, students develop a theory of their own to conclude how an object might work. This lesson plan includes a worksheet.
Curated OER
Forces Applied to an Object
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.
Curated OER
Simple Machines or Are They?
In this science worksheet, students examine and discuss ten examples of simple machines to understand how they work and then color them.
Curated OER
You Got The Whole World In Your Hands: Geology, Earth's Layers, Science
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.
Museum of Science
Gadget Anatomy: Understanding Machines
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.
Colorado Unit Writing Project
Simple Machines
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...
Curated OER
Mallard's Wetland Olympics
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.
Curated OER
Simple Machines
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...
Curated OER
Ramps
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.
Curated OER
Simple/Complex Machines
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...
Curated OER
Roll with the Punches: Depression Era Machinery
Students construct models of simple and complicated machines with Legos. Then they design an experiment using the scientific method. ESE modifications included.
Curated OER
Make Life Simple
Students examine six simple machines by looking at pictures of real world objects.