Curated OER
Simple Machines - Museum of Science and Industry
In this museum student guide worksheet, learners make a mini-book about simple machines to be used during a visit to the Museum of Science and Industry. They locate the exhibits that demonstrate the wedge, inclined plane, screw, lever,...
Cornell University
Catapults
Ready, aim, fire! Launch to a new level of understanding as scholars build and test their own catapults. Learners explore lever design and how adjusting the fulcrum changes the outcome.
Agriculture in the Classroom
Six Kinds Do It All
Teach young engineers that all machines, no matter how complicated or complex, are made up of just six simple devices with this hands-on physical science lesson. Using the included templates, students first create paper models of...
Curated OER
Levers
Students compare and contrast the three different types of levers. In this physics lesson plan, students hypothesize how ancient Egyptians use them to build structures. They construct their own lever after teacher approves their design.
Curated OER
Exploring Levers
Students examine the parts of a lever system and their functions. In this simple machines lesson students study the different classes of levers and what they are used for.
Curated OER
Levers - An Interactive Lesson
Seventh graders identify the different parts of a lever. In this physics lesson, 7th graders draw a lever and label the different parts. They use the interactive board to create their own lever.
Curated OER
Three Classes of Levers
Eighth graders research the three classes of levers and create a Power Point presentation showcasing the fulcrum, effort arm, and resistance arm in each class. They then write a paper explaining real life applications of the levers.
Curated OER
The Gear Game
Students discuss that the conservatin of energy states that the energy imput must equal the energy output. They then figure out how can a machine help you to perform task otherwise considered impossible? Students discuss the six simple...
Cornell University
Catapult
Studying levers couldn't be more exciting! Learners build their own catapults and test the results as they make adjustments to the fulcrum. They compete against other groups to create the most accurate apparatus.
CK-12 Foundation
See Saw
Can a mother who weighs five times more than her child really be held in the air on a see saw by the child? A simple simulation demonstrates how this is possible through altering the distance from the fulcrum. Scholars can adjust the...
Curated OER
Torque Me Off
Students investigate the lever and the mathematics associated with levers. They determine the conditions necessary to balance a system of forces around a fulcrum.
Curated OER
Muscular System
In this muscular system worksheet, students list the factors used in naming skeletal muscles. Then they explain how fascicle arrangement in muscles contributes to muscle mechanics. Students also describe the three classes of levers in...
Curated OER
Simple Machines
Students discover what simple machines are and identify a gear, a pulley, and a lever. In teams, they build at least two models each of simple machines and challenge them with specific instruction cards. Finally, students present and...
Curated OER
Understanding Simple Machines
In this simple machines worksheet, students read about various types of simple machines. They then use what they learned to answer 17 questions. The answers are on the last page.
Museum of Science
Water Balloon Catapult
Fire away! Using a couple of milk jugs, a dowel rod, and a yardstick, individuals build catapults to throw water balloons. Learners notice that the catapult is a simple machine. By making a target, the class has a chance to refine their...
Curated OER
Catapults
Students discover the catapult. For this catapult lesson, students research the history of the catapult and how it works. They work in groups to build their own catapult using tootpicks, popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and spoons.
Curated OER
Simple Machines
Students investigate simple machines. In this simple machines lesson, students construct two simple machines and describe what they do. Students show that simple changes help machines do work with less effort. Students use a paper clip...
Curated OER
Simple Machines Chart
In this simple machines chart, students are given six simple machines, a description of what each is, the benefits of each type of machine and examples.
Curated OER
Work Made Easy
Second graders maneuver placement of the fulcrum on the lever to see how to lift weight most easily. They role-play as archaeologists with the task of lifting a heavy rock from the dig site. They write in science journals about what...
Berkeley Engineering and Mentors
Marshmallow Catapaults
After a brief lecture on levers, torque, projectiles, and the five-step engineering design cycle, young physical science learners or engineers build catapults out of craft sticks. This is an open-ended exploration of what works and what...
Curated OER
Secrets of Lost Empires I
Learners investigate how levers can be used to lift objects. They participate in hands-on activities to explore the distance a load is lifted when comparing the amount the lever arm was pushed down. Students discover the how placement...
Curated OER
Make Work Easier!
Pupils work in pairs to design a lever. They conduct experiments using a penny and nickel to explore the uses of a lever.
Curated OER
Investigation 3 - Weighty MistakesStudents
Third graders investigate levers and the concept of work.
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...