Learners formulate new applications for simple machines in an original invention that solves a common problem. They brainstorm ideas for a new product using simple machines and communicate a finished project through an oral, written, and...

Simple machines are fascinating for kids! This short, but effective presentation goes into the six types of simple machines: the pulley, the lever, the wedge, the wheel and axle, the inclined plane, and the screw. The slides give...

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...

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...

An excellent lesson awaits your young scientists! In it, learners are invited to explore the world of pulleys, levers, and planes; simple machines that make lifting heavy things much, much easier. They watch video, and engage in hands-on...

Eighth graders explore and demonstrate an understanding of the factors that contribute to the efficient operation of mechanisms and simple machines. They design and make a mechanical toy device that moves a given object a specified...

Scientific method, linear measurements, friction, inertia. Imagine learning scientific vocabulary in an ELA class. Before researching and developing a presentation about simple machines, class members build a common, but decidedly...

Designed for a lower elementary school classroom, this presentation on simple machines is a wonderful way to introduce this topic. The resource begins by identifying and defining the six types of simple machines, and then goes on to...

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...

Lego gears demonstrate the roles of the driver and follower gears. Because of the complexity of math explained in the video, this would be most appropriate for teaching upper elementary scientists about simple machines.

An aerospace engineer and some preteens have a virtual conversation about pulleys. This modern video uses the raising and lowering of the Space Shuttle to show that pulleys can be used to lift very large weights. Show this video to your...

The lever is an everyday simple machine. Youngsters learn the principles of levers and explore their many uses. Groups of pupils perform a simple lab where they lift objects with a fulcrum while placing the load in a variety of...

Upper graders are shown an example of a wheel and axle through which they will each make a pinwheel. They are given instructions on how to complete their pinwheel step-by-step, one pinwheel per group. They try out their pinwheels to see...

A nicely-designed presentation on simple machines is here for you. In it, young scientists are introduced to some simple machines, and the laws of physics behind them. Pupils learn about work, force, gravity, and friction. The slides...

Students explore the properties of magnets by designing a device that can move as far as possible using only magnets to move it, and design a machine that will stay in motion for the greatest period of time.

Students explore the drawings of Rube Goldberg to design and construct a simple machine. They discuss simple machines, and using various materials and toy parts, design and construct a "Rube Goldberg" style machine to ring a bell.

Students dissect simple machines. In this simple machines instructional activity, students gather simple machines from their home to dissect in class. Students investigate the working parts of simple machines and construct a machine...

Youngsters are introduced to the basic principles and uses of the wheel and the axle. They come up with every day examples of simple machines and look into why the wheel and the axle are best-used as a paired machine instead of used...

Sure to be a hit with your charges, here is a science instructional activity that has lots of hands-on activities packed into it. The focus is simple machines, and how they help us perform work. After a discussion and demonstration...

Here is an inventive plan that should get your young scientists excited! In it, groups of pupils test out the work done by six different simple machines. The machines are: the wedge, the lever, the inclined plane, the pulley, the screw,...

The principles behind pulleys, levers, and simple machines are the focus of a science instructional activity. In it, learners take part in a whole-class activity. There are two groups of pupils who each must lift objects with fixed...

Have your class conduct research to learn all they can about simple machines. They use the web, take notes from a video, write a script, then make a film describing various simple machines found in real life. These videos are then...

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