Lesson Plan
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Simple Machines In Action

For Teachers 9th - 12th
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...
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Simple machine Webqest

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders explore simple machines. Using specified Internet sites, 3rd graders gather information on types of machines. They define vocabulary words and locate examples of different types of simple machines. Students invent a new...
Lesson Plan
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Tree House Escape!

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students participate in a role play in which they use simple machines to do the work of retrieving their sibling from a tree which lost its ladder. They investigate how work is accomplished when an object moves in the direction of the...
Lesson Plan
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Flowing From Here to There

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders discover how humans modify their environment. They work together to design their own simple machine to transport materials. They record observations and suggest modifications.
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My Machine

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders explore how simple machines can affect their health and lifestyle. In addition, 3rd graders use their knowledge of simple machines to build a unique machine.
Lesson Plan
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Modern Day Pyramids

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Learners investigate the ways in which ancient technologies - six types of simple machines and combinations - are used to construct modern buildings. As they work together to solve a design problem (designing and building a modern...
Lesson Plan
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Simple Machines and Modern Day Engineering Analogies

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students apply the mechanical advantages and problem-solving capabilities of six types of simple machines (wedge, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, screw, pulley) as they discuss modern structures in the spirit of the engineers and...
Activity
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Teach Engineering

The Magician's Catapult

For Teachers 7th - 9th Standards
Class members work in pairs to build a catapult to launch a grape a given distance. The catapult project, a compound machine, reinforces pupils' understanding of simple machines.
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Magnet Circus

For Teachers 4th - 8th
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.
Lesson Plan
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Build Working Models With household Items

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Young scholars follow the illustration, and cut out foam board according to the pattern. They assemble the small parts by gluing. Once the glue is dry, students tape the end of the bottom and top clipper boards, they slide toothpicks...
Lesson Plan
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Engineering - Solid Rock to Building Block

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
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,...
Lesson Plan
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Inclined Plane and Pulley

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners describe how inclined plane and pulleys make work easier. In this physics lesson, students calculate work done and mechanical advantage of both simple machines. They collect data from the experiment and construct graphs.
Lesson Plan
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TRIANGULATEERS IN THE REAL WORLD

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students explore about triangles and the simple machines that are made from those triangles. They are able to identify the kinds of triangles in the machines, tell how the triangular shapes make the machines function, and build a simple...
Lesson Plan
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Mystery Machines

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students explore simple machines and demonstrate thier acquired understanding by building a simple machine.
Activity
2
2
Teach Engineering

Tools and Equipment (Part 1)

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
Looking for the best inclined plane for the job? Groups calculate the theoretical mechanical advantage for four different inclined planes. They determine the actual mechanical advantage by measuring the amount of force needed for the...
Lesson Plan
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My Crazy Contraption

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders design a contraption, which contains five different examples of simple machines and works without intervention. They sketch designs and label its parts. They present their creations to the class and relate them to Rube...
Lesson Plan
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Forces and Motion

For Teachers 9th - 12th
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...
Lesson Plan
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1
Curated OER

Farming in the 1930's

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students research and conduct experiments with several types of simple machines. They examine levers, pulleys, inclined planes, wheels, axles, wedges and screws and then consider the physics behind "Green Eggs and Ham".
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Applied Science - Technology (2A) Lab

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders experiment with simple machines. In this machine lesson, 2nd graders go to different labs to see examples of a lever, inclined plane, wedge, pulley, gears, and wheel and axle. They discuss how a machine makes work a lot...
Activity
Teach Engineering

Induced EMF in a Coil Wire

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Small groups investigate the interaction between a coil of wire and a magnet to create an electromagnetic field and observe the voltage they create. Through further interactions, they realize a conductor can be charged from the...
Lesson Plan
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Applied Science - Technology (2A) Post Lab

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders explore simple machines. In this technology instructional activity, 2nd graders look at pulleys and gears and what the uses are for each. They complete a worksheet comparing the two. 
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Wheel and Axle

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders construct a wheel and axle model using a Lego Dacta set. They read and discuss informational text from the book "It's Science! Machines We Use," and in small groups create a simple machine using Legos.
Lesson Planet Article
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Leprechaun Traps Using Simple Machines

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Are you looking for a fun way to incorporate St. Patrick's Day into your science curriculum? Try designing and building leprechaun traps!
Lesson Plan
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Let's Move It!

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students create a simple machine that includes a cart and lever system that could have been used to build the ancient pyramids. In this simple machine lesson, students learn about the wheel and the axle as simple machines that help...