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,...

Here is a tri-faceted resource that has a slide show, a quiz, and a vocabulary list that you can use to teach simple machines. Six machines are introduced: wheels and axles, planes, levers, pulleys, wedges, and screws. Slides contain...

Read Just a Little Bit, by Ann Tompert as an introduction to levers. Discuss playground seesaws and then turn learners loose to experiment with the placement of a fulcrum. Their goal is to determine where to place it in order to lift ten...

Learners make a simple machine. In this physics lesson, students learn about six types of simple machines and the purpose of each and brainstorm examples of simple and complex machines in the classroom. Learners create a simple or...

Students investigate what simple machines are and how they work. For this simple machine lesson, the students create simple and compound machines and test each machine's ability to perform a task. Students compare simple machines to...

In this simple machine instructional activity, learners explore incline planes and learn how to calculate the mechanical advantage (MA) using forces or distance. This instructional activity has 14 matching, 3 fill in the blank, and 6...

Students are able to analyze gravity as an universal force. They are able to demonstrate ways that simple machines can change force. Students are able to determine how the force of friction retards motion. They are able to describe...

Fifth graders use information from their text to read and discuss pulleys and levers. They examine a top sketch of the arrangement of a fixed pulley. Working in groups, 5th graders perform experiments to test the effect of using a pulley...

Students experiment with common objects such as spools, string and soap to determine how pulleys make it easier to move large objects. They look at the difference between fixed and movable pulleys. They examine the many uses engineers...

Students role-play as engineers designing wedge tools. They devise methods for shaping quarry rocks into pyramid blocks. Following a teacher demonstration, they use materials such as soap, clay, and foam for blocks and wood, plastic,...

Students explore the building of a pyramid and how pulleys were used to change the direction of applied force. They demonstrate the mechanical advantage of using a pulley and apply it to modern engineering.

Students study and identify different types of simple machines and how they work. They design a simple machine.

It's never too early to introduce even your youngest learners to simple machines. Kids explore the wheels and axle on a car to determine if it helps us do work. While they make cars here (specific directions are not included), consider...

In this physics worksheet, learners use the clues given on the sheet to complete the crossword puzzle on simple machines. There are 18 clues to solve in the puzzle.

Sixth graders create a simple airplane to show energy. In this energy lesson, 6th graders make an airplane from a pencil, thumb tacks, and a plastic lid. They make the propeller spin by pressing on the thumbtacks with a ball point pen. 

In this compound machine worksheet, students review what simple machines are put together to make compound machines. This worksheet has 5 fill in the blank and 2 short answer questions.

In this simple machine worksheet, students read twelve clues to complete a crossword puzzle. The clues are a review of all simple machines.

Students observe and identify the types of simple machines. They conduct research and gather data to increase the comprehension of simple machines. Students identify and comprehend data to complete a graphic organizer and focus...

Third graders view a demonstration of a teeter totter as a basis for assessing pre-knowledge of a lever. They create a KwL chart. Students work in small groups to conduct a variety of experiments. The first requires students to tie books...

Learners name and recognize six types of simple machines. They use their research to design an amusement park ride that features different types of simple machines. Students create a brochure about their ride and how it works. Simple...

Students determine how engineers decide on choices for final designs and sites for construction. They look at a surveyor's report while they evaluate sites where a pyramid could be build. They consider the distance the pyramid would be...

Students identify six types of simple machines, then use the Internet for research.

Students test with a partner on the definitions of each simple machine and see if they can name which simple machine it is. An example is one student asks another "This simple machine is an inclined plane wrapped around a pole?"

Students define the term simple machine, identify and appreciate their use.  In this simple machines lesson students complete an activity and share their ideas.