Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders examine and identify the six types of simple machines. Using a model of each simple machine, they demonstrate the state the function of them to the class. They discover examples of simple machines at school and home 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

Who's the Frog Jumping Champion?

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
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.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

QuickTime Science Project

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders divide into teams and select a simple science topic to explain and illustrate. They should pick a topic that they can illustrate with a very short (about 15-20 seconds) video clip, or QuickTime movie.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Momentum Conserved

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students explore Newton's Laws of Motion and how momentum is conserved. In this physics lesson, students observe experiments in which various items collide. Students draw conclusions as to how "momentum" defined as "mass X velocity"...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

My Machine

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders explore how simple machines can affect their health and lifestyle. In addition, 3rd graders use their knowledge of simple machines to build a unique machine.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

On a Hunt for Simple Machines

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders identify six simple machines. They brainstorm types of machines and complete a KWL chart. Students observe and explain six simple machines found in the classroom and in their home. They share their list with the class.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Electromagnetic Crane

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Students explore electromagnetism, simple machines and the design process. They use the concepts of electromagnetism to design and build a device that uses an electromagnet, a pulley and a lever using the provided Engineering Design...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machine Test

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students complete several worksheets about machines.  In this machine instructional activity students complete several handouts that describe the different machines  and how pulleys work. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simply Unique

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Young scholars identify, compare and contrast simple machines and their functions. They work together in groups to complete experiments using the simple machines. They write in their journals to reflect on the lesson.
Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

Simple Machines Internet Research

For Teachers K - 5th
Students identify six types of simple machines, then use the Internet for research.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Make Life Simple

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

An Invitation to Simple Machines

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders explore simple machines as a way of helping the principle with a hurt foot manuever his way around the campus.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What Can You Make of It?

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students investigate the various uses of a paper cup. In this scientific inquiry lesson plan, students investigate various ways to use a paper cup by identifying its characteristics. Students sketch their discovery.
Lesson Plan
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: Slide Right on by Using an Inclined Plane

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore building a pyramid, learning about the simple machine called an inclined plane. They also learn about another simple machine, the screw, and how it is used as a lifting or fastening device. During a hands-on activity,...
Lesson Plan
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: Just Plane Simple

For Teachers 6th - 8th
This lesson introduces students to three of the six simple machines used by many engineers. These machines include the inclined plane, the wedge and the screw. In general, engineers use the inclined plane to lift heavy loads, the wedge...
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...
Lesson Plan
NASA

Nasa: The Screw

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
In this lesson plan young scholars learn how to make a screw and compare how many turns it takes for different screws to embed into a piece of wood.
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...
Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

Alex: Simple Machines

For Teachers Pre-K - 1st
During this lesson, students learn about the six types of simple machines. They define each type of machine, experiment with each type, utilize the Internet to explore each type of machine and build their own simple machine. This lesson...
Lesson Plan
Other

Uss Constitution Museum: Constructing a Warship

For Teachers 1st - 5th
USS Constitution was built as a fighting machine and utilized the six simple machines of science to accomplish the many tasks required of her. Students will identify and manipulate these machines to create inventions that would have made...
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
SEDL

Southwest Educational Development Laboratory: Simple Machines [Pdf]

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
This large PDF file contains seven lessons on simple machines. Includes illustrations. Requires Adobe Reader.