Curated OER
Simple Machines
Students investigate what simple machines are and how they work. In this simple machine lesson plan, the students create simple and compound machines and test each machine's ability to perform a task. Students compare simple machines to...
Curated OER
The Physics of Tools
Students investigate the nature and work of simple tools and mechanics.
They explain how each simple machine can be used in real world applications. They explore levers, balance beams, windlasses, wedges, gears, ocarinas, harmonicas,...
Teach Engineering
The Magician's Catapult
Class members work in pairs to build a catapult to launch a grape a given distance. The catapult project, a compound machine, reinforces pupils' understanding of simple machines.
Curated OER
Simple Machines
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...
Curated OER
Challenger's Lost Lessons - The Lost Simple Machines Lesson
Students investigate the characteristics of simple machines. For 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...
Curated OER
Who's the Frog Jumping Champion?
Young scholars 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.
Curated OER
QuickTime Science Project
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.
Curated OER
Momentum Conserved
Students explore Newton's Laws of Motion and how momentum is conserved. For this physics lesson, students observe experiments in which various items collide. Students draw conclusions as to how "momentum" defined as "mass X velocity"...
Curated OER
My Machine
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.
Curated OER
On a Hunt for Simple Machines
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.
Curated OER
The Electromagnetic Crane
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...
Curated OER
Simple Machine Test
Students complete several worksheets about machines. For this machine lesson students complete several handouts that describe the different machines and how pulleys work.
Curated OER
Simply Unique
Learners 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.
Curated OER
Simple Machines Word Search
In this simple machines worksheet, students analyze 10 words in a word bank that pertain to simple machines. Students find these words in a word search puzzle.
Curated OER
Simple Machines Challenge
In this simple machines facts activity, students respond to 6 multiple choice questions that require them to exhibit what they know about simple machines.
Curated OER
Simple Machines Alphabet Activity
In this simple machines activity, students put the names of simple machines in alphabetical order. Students put 6 names of simple machines in alphabetical order.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Simple Machines Internet Research
Students identify six types of simple machines, then use the Internet for research.
Curated OER
Make Life Simple
Students examine six simple machines by looking at pictures of real world objects.
Curated OER
Pulleys
In this simple machines worksheet, learners learn about pulleys. They then answer the 11 questions on the page. The answers are on the last page of the packet.
Curated OER
Exploring Simple Machines
Learners investigate simple machines. In this simple machines instructional activity, students study how simple machines work. Learners determine the function of various simple machines.
Curated OER
An Invitation to Simple Machines
Third graders explore simple machines as a way of helping the principle with a hurt foot manuever his way around the campus.
Curated OER
What Can You Make of It?
Students investigate the various uses of a paper cup. In this scientific inquiry lesson, students investigate various ways to use a paper cup by identifying its characteristics. Students sketch their discovery.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Slide Right on by Using an Inclined Plane
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,...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Just Plane Simple
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...