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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple and Complex Machines Used In Agriculture

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Pupils explore agriculture and the current technologies and research that continue to make Earth a viable planet. This four lessons unit introduce students to simple machines and the concepts of force and friction through a variety of...
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Unit Plan
Curated OER

Levers and Pulleys and Gears, Oh My!

For Teachers 2nd
Students explore the difference between compound and simple machines in this six lessons of this unit. The purpose and importance of a variety of types of simple machines and the effects of friction are investigated.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Torque Me Off

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students investigate the lever and the mathematics associated with levers. They determine the conditions necessary to balance a system of forces around a fulcrum.
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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.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Break It Down!

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore the everyday implications of system failure. They are challenged to identify the causes of system failure.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fulcrums in Our Body

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders discuss fulcrums and levers and identify at least two fulcrums and levers on their bodies. They also identify fulcrums and levers on animal bodies.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Levers - An Interactive Lesson

For Teachers 7th
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.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Levers

For Teachers 7th - 9th
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.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring Levers

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students examine the parts of a lever system and their functions.  For this simple machines lesson students study the different classes of levers and what they are used for. 
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Jensen Bar - What is It and How to Make One

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students identify and make a Jensen Bar. In this Jensen Bar lesson plan, students study pictures of Jensen Bars and then build their own bar using the listed materials and given directions.
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Organizer
Curated OER

How Do Simple Machines Work?

For Students 2nd - 4th
In this simple machines worksheet, students brainstorm problems that can be solved by the work of simple machines. This worksheet is a graphic organizer.
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Organizer
Curated OER

Simple Machines

For Students 2nd - 4th
In this simple machines worksheet, students will write in 6 examples of simple machines and then write in what those simple machines can do.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Physics of Tools

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers 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,...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Secrets of Lost Empires I

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students 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...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

LEGO Balance

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Learners design and build a balance using LEGO, string, and a set of standard metric weights.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines, Odd Machine

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students construct a device to 'launch' a marshmallow at the teacher and then discuss various forms of levers. They work in teams to design catapults and identify different kinds of levers.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Three Classes of Levers

For Teachers 8th
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.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Work Made Easy

For Teachers 2nd
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...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Investigation 3 - Weighty MistakesStudents

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders investigate levers and the concept of work.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Make Work Easier!

For Teachers K - 2nd
Pupils work in pairs to design a lever. They conduct experiments using a penny and nickel to explore the uses of a lever.