What is a Compound Machine?

Young scholars 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.  Young scholars...

Students design and create a compound machine. In this simple and compound machines lesson, students review different types of simple and compound machines and think about tasks they complete everyday that would be simpler if they used a...

The choice is simple: create a PowerPoint presentation, write a book, or invent a compound machine. Whichever project your young scientists choose, they will be engaged in creatively demonstrating their knowledge of simple machines and...

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...

Planning a unit on simple machines? Save some time and energy with this collection of lessons and activities that explores how these devices are used in the real world to make life a little easier. 

Students experiment with plastics.  In this what is plastic lesson, students make a simple polymer and discuss recycling.  Students identify various types of plastics. 

In this compound machines learning exercise, students discover what compound machines are and then respond to 4 short answer questions.

The principles of levers and simple machines are presented here. An easy-to-make lever is constructed by each group of scientists, and they use it to explore how this simple machine makes heavy things so much easier to lift and move. A...

What's the best way to use a simple machine to solve a real-world problem? Scholars construct their own simple and complex machines to explore the concepts of work and force. They discuss examples of simple machines they have found in...

What a fresh approach to learning about water! Chef Jamika Pessoa explains the chemical composition of this vital compound, what happens when heat is added or removed, and how much water is contained in different organs and...