Fifth graders understand what a lever is, how it works and what the parts of a lever are. In this first class lever lesson, 5th graders label pictures and design a lab lever. Students predict the outcome of experiments with their lever...

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...

Show your students how to make their work easier. The first lesson in a series of 10 introduces the class to work and the way simple machines can be make work easier. The simple machines scholars can find in everyday items are...

Fifth graders participate in a review discussion of the parts of a lever, resistance or load, fulcrum, and effort. Next, they complete activities at six experiment stations while collecting data that they share with the class. While...

Students investigate the relationships between weights, and construct a balanced first class lever. They formulate a general equation for the relationship explored in the experiment and perform calculations.

Fifth graders explore the concept of pulleys and levers. They read and discuss text from the book "It's Science! Machines We Use," and in small groups construct a simple lever and pulley using a Lego Dacta set.

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...

Students explore the relationship between force and the distance of the load from the fulcrum.  In this experimental lesson students get into groups and make a lever and record the force that is needed to move it, they then try this...

Students observe relationships between quantities. Students complete activities for three different classes of levers. In groups, students build each type of lever. Students identify levers in their daily surroundings. Students observe...

Students engage in a lesson plan that concentrates on the use of a lever and fulcrum. They define how a lever is used to lift a load. The lesson plan has background information to justify it. Students demonstrate how to use the lever...

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.

Students examine the parts of a lever system and their functions.  In this simple machines activity students study the different classes of levers and what they are used for. 

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. 

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.

Young scholars compare and contrast the three different types of levers. In this physics lesson, students hypothesize how ancient Egyptians use them to build structures. They construct their own lever after teacher approves their design.

Students research one of the simple machines listed in the lesson and review several simple machine websites to complete their research. Students use software and a watch a video to learn more about machines. Students create a poster...

Using a worksheet that's embedded in the plan, elementary schoolers must come up with the most possible combinations of food they can order from the menu on the worksheet. The lesson is meant to be done independently by everyone, then...

After getting to know the inventor, Leonardo da Vinci and his many inventions, scholars think up their own invention. Following a written description and a hand-drawn picture, learners use a method of mirror writing and antiquing to give...

Fourth graders identify six simple machines in real world examples, distinguish between the three different types of levers and explain Newton's three laws of motion. They create a multimedia presentation over the information they've...

Young scholars create their own model of a nail clipper. They practice using engineering design and model building. They also identify different kinds of small levers.

Have your young reporters research contributions of the ancient Egyptians, draft scripts, and broadcast their stories live on the Nile Network News. Depending on class size and age, topics may be brainstormed or assigned. The detailed...

Students read a news article about the creation of a catapult that will throw pumpkins. In this current events instructional activity, the teacher introduces the article with a discussion of catapults and a vocabulary activity, then...

Students explore electromagnetism, simple machines and the design process. They use the concepts of electromagnetism to design and build a device that uses an electromagnet, a pulley and a lever using the provided Engineering Design...

Students 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 through...