Science Companion
Simple Machines Design Project
Make your work as a teacher a little easier with a physical science project on simple machines. After introducing young scientists to these devices and identifying their different uses around the school, this project engages children in...
Berkeley Engineering and Mentors
Marshmallow Catapaults
After a brief lecture on levers, torque, projectiles, and the five-step engineering design cycle, young physical science learners or engineers build catapults out of craft sticks. This is an open-ended exploration of what works and what...
Curated OER
Alexander Calder: Master of Balance
Students build simple mobiles. In this equilibrium lesson, students investigate the functions of three types of levers as they analyze artwork by Alexander Calder. Students then create their own simplified mobiles.
Curated OER
Using Fulcrums
Young scholars engage in a lesson that concentrates on the use of a lever and fulcrum. They define how a lever is used to lift a load. The lesson has background information to justify it. Students demonstrate how to use the lever while...
Curated OER
Wheeling It In!
Students use everyday materials (milk cartons, water bottles, pencils, straws, candy) to build a small-scale transportation device that incorporates the wheel and axle and the lever. They race their carts/trucks, measure distance, time...
Curated OER
Simple Machines
Eighth graders work together in groups to introduce themselves to the six types of simple machines. They are to record what the machine does, its mechanical advantage and identify real world situations in which they are used. They...
Curated OER
Simple/Complex Machines
Students 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. Students create a simple or...
Curated OER
Simple Machines
Students investigate simple machines. In this simple machines lesson, students explore how tools increase productivity and make life easier. Students experiment with simple tools and discover the parts of each tool.
Curated OER
Simple Machines
Students research simple machines. In this simple machines lesson, students explore the many types of simple machines such as the lever, pulley, and screw. Students discover simple machines in the classroom.
Curated OER
Smoses Toy Expo
Students research one of the simple machines listed in the instructional activity and review several simple machine websites to complete their research. Students use software and a watch a video to learn more about machines. Students...
Teach Engineering
A Simple Solution for the Circus
Class members are challenged to design a device that will move a circus elephant into a train car. Groups brainstorm ideas that use simple machines to load the elephant. They then choose one of their ideas, sketch a plan, and present it...
Curated OER
Engineering: Simple Machines
Fourth graders participate in activities to examine how simple machines help build things. They identify the six types of simple machines. They discover how simple machines where use historically to build pyramids and how they are still...
Curated OER
The Pork With Torque
Students determine the torque of CEENBoTs wheel hub. In this physics lesson, students reinforce their learning by exploring interactive websites on torque. They give real life applications of torque.
Curated OER
Simple Machines
Students create a pyramid design based on the 6 simple machines that they are introduced to. For this simple machines lesson plan, students are introduced to the wedge, wheel and axle, inclined plane, screw, and pulley.
Curated OER
Newton's Third Law of Motion
Young scholars explore Newton's 3rd Law of Motion. In this physics lesson, students participate in various experiments that demonstrate the idea of action/reaction, such as a balloon launch, a skateboard activity, and a spring scale...
Curated OER
Investigation 3 - Weighty MistakesStudents
Third graders investigate levers and the concept of work.
Curated OER
Simple Machines or Are They?
Students discover basic machines and how they make completing work easier. They identify two basic machines, the inclined plane and the lever and the functions of these simple machines.
Curated OER
Simple Machines
Students are introduced to a scenario: a ramshackle house is in need of repair. The roof leaks, the refrigerator is broken, it needs paint, etc. They are explained that in order to repair the home, students must use tools. Students...
Curated OER
Planets in Balance
Students study the solar system by researching the planets. In this exploratory lesson students divide into teams and create mobiles.
Curated OER
Simple Machines, Odd Machines
Students explore simple machines. In this physical science lesson, students identify six simple machines, illustrate each and identify how these machines function or can be combined to create a compound machine.
Curated OER
Mechanics Aren't Just for Cars
Third graders are introduced to the correct mechanics of throwing. They work in peer groups to demonstrate proper throwing form and critique each other's performance.
Curated OER
Simple Machines
Learners discover that simple machines reduce the effort required in a task. In this simple machines lesson students see demonstrations of simple machines.
Curated OER
Scientific Measurement Exercise
Students measure irregularly shaped bones, once using a variety of measurement methods and tools, and then again using standard conventions and metric tape measures. They explore firsthand that standardizing data collection makes...
Curated OER
Simple Machines - Graphics, Experiments, Animation
Twelfth graders display simple machines through the use of graphics, experiments, and animation. They apply problem solving and design and skills.