Simple Machines - Graphics, Experiments, Animation

Instructions for series of six activites, a reading of scientific literature, and a choice of six assessments await you in this physics resource. Well-written plans guide you in guiding your pupils to experiment with levers, pulleys,...

High schoolers investigate to use simple machines for the purpose of maximizing the work provided by mechanical advantage. They design an experiment that illustrates how to move a load easier and then calculate the amount of work...

Your introductory physical science class will be energized by this PowerPoint. They will be able to define energy, work, and power. They will be able to perform calculations for kinetic and potential energy. They will be able to describe...

Each of the slides here gives a definition, equation, or calculation example for a component of force and motion. This large collection covers topics from momentum and Newton's laws to centripetal forces and simple machines. Animations...

This is bound to be the favorite lesson of the year for your physics class since they design desktop catapults. They can experiment with angles, weight, and trajectories. Instructions are provided for making the catapult out of a plastic...

This is bound to be the favorite lesson of the year for your physics class since they design desktop catapults. They can experiment with angles, weight, and trajectories. Instructions are provided for making the catapult out of a plastic...

Sometimes simple machines don't seem so...simple. The video lesson explains the principles of simple machines. Viewers also discover the concept of mechanical advantage and how it affects the forces related to simple machines. 

Students will explore simple machines and calculate efficiency and mechanical advantage. For this physical science lesson, students will watch a United Streaming Video and then conduct a lab experiment using force sensors to perform a...

Exactly what did Archimedes mean when he said, "Give me a place to stand, and I will move the Earth"? Watch this video and find out as it explains the mathematics behind levers, and explores a few fun hypothetical situations involving...

Students describe how inclined plane and pulleys make work easier. In this physics lesson, students calculate work done and mechanical advantage of both simple machines. They collect data from the experiment and construct graphs.