Curated OER
Simple Machines In Complex Machines
Young scholars brainstorm the concept of a machine. They make lists of the characteristics that all machines share. The teacher uses questioning in order to get students to think more deeply about the subject. They create a lab to...
Curated OER
On a Hunt for Simple Machines
Fifth graders identify six simple machines. They brainstorm types of machines and complete a KWL chart. Students observe and explain six simple machines found in the classroom and in their home. They share their list with the class.
Curated OER
A Simple Machines Activity
Fourth graders observe examples of simple machines found in the school, playground, and work environment. For this simple machines lesson, 4th graders review simple machines by viewing three web sites. Students tour the school and...
Curated OER
An Introduction to Simple Machines
Young scholars investigate simple machines and their uses in everyday life. For this scientific method lesson, students examine physical tools such as wedges, screws, and levers using a "how does it work" approach. Young scholars...
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Simple Machines
Fifth graders observe six simple machines. Through student demonstration they define work and force and calculate the work done. They identify the utility of each of the six simple machines and how each one "exchanges" force for...
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Simple Machines - Kid Pix
Third graders recognize simple machines in their environment. They create a picture of his/her simple machine in Kid Pix Studio. Once students have completed their picture have them save it to their desktop or disk. Next they create a...
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Simple Machines - Inclined Plane, Lever
Learners brainstorm ways of using an inclined plane or lever and demonstrate using materials such as a board, fulcrum, etc. They divide into two groups and figure out to lift a crate using materials for a simple machine. Once they...
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Simple Machines
Learners recognize simple machines in their environment, create a picture of a simple machine using KidPix Software, and appropriately name and identify the type of simple machine that they have created using their keyboard.
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Simple Machines-Pulleys
Third graders understand what a pulley is and how it works. In this simple machines, pulley lesson students experiment with broom sticks creating a pulley. Students observe how the pulley moves in its different trials.
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Flowing From Here to There
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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Systems 1: Simple Machines
Students explore the parts of a system and develop schema of the interactions between those parts. They examine a variety of simple hardware devicesand observe the interactions between the elements of the devices, through both hands-on...
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Energy Transformation with Simple Machines
First graders identify both potential and kinetic energy in a game they play in the classroom. They listen as the teacher explains the difference between potential and kinetic energy when observing a simple machine. Using simple...
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How Machines Help Us Stay Healthy
Students visit different departments at a local hospital to see how machines help peoples such as the CAT scan machine. They build a model of such a machine that shows how patients are moved in and out of the machine.
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Las Maquinas y Nosotros: Machines and Us
Second graders explain the relationship between energy and work. In this technology instructional activity, 2nd graders describe the different uses of machines in their everyday lives. They record observations and data in their science...
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You are Uniquely You
Students compare and contrast simple machines and their functions. For this cross-curriculum science simple machines lesson, students observe examples and read about simple machines, then use body movement to demonstrate how machines...
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Toting the Log and Lifting the Babe
Students use simple machines that demonstrate force, friction, work and power. They investigate and explain simple machines.
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Can You Do It?
Young scholars create a simple machine to help with the design of the traditional can opener. In this simple machines lesson plan, students analyze the can opener, and use the design process to solve problems.
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Simple Machines
Students explain how simple machines work and design their own machine. They use the Internet for research.
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Move It!
Third graders examine simple machines. In this simple machines lesson, 3rd graders observe simple machines at work in a video, then experiment with creating their own simple machines to move objects.
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Simple Machines IV - Wheels and Axles
Fourth graders study everyday examples of simple machines. They examine how the combination of a wheel and axle works more efficiently than either in isolation. In a demonstration lesson, they see how a spring scale shows a force pulling...
Museum of Science
Gadget Anatomy: Understanding Machines
Students observe a machine closely from several angles while it operates. Identify the elements of machines combined in different gadgets. Create a clear diagram of how a machine works.
Shodor Education Foundation
Function Machine
Machines can be so helpful sometimes. A simple interactive has learners enter input values for a function machine and observe output values. These values help determine a function that represents the input-output relationship in the...
Curated OER
Gadget Anatomy
Fifth graders examine and identify different simple machines that make up complex machines. They analyze and discuss different gadgets and appliances brought in from home, then in small groups examine one of the machines in detail. ...
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Who's the Frog Jumping Champion?
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.