Organizer
Curated OER

Simple Machines Chart

For Students 6th - 8th
In this simple machines chart, students are given six simple machines, a description of what each is, the benefits of each type of machine and examples.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders create a Power Point presentation to relate to their study of simple machines. They create a title page, a page introducing six simple machines, slides explaining real world use to each simple machine and import pictures...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Learners create a pyramid design based on the 6 simple machines that they are introduced to. In this simple machines lesson plan, students are introduced to the wedge, wheel and axle, inclined plane, screw, and pulley.
Lesson Plan
Chandler Unified School District

Art Masterpiece—Leonardo da Vinci Inventions

For Teachers 6th
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...
Activity
Science Companion

Simple Machines Design Project

For Teachers 3rd - 6th Standards
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...
Lesson Plan
1
1
Teach Engineering

Not So Simple

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Compound machines, nothing more than a combination of simple machines working together, are the focus of an activity that asks class members to use the provided information to take a look at the way innovators combine simple machines to...
Worksheet
Curated OER

What is a Compound Machine?

For Students 2nd - 4th
In this compound machine worksheet, students review what simple machines are put together to make compound machines. This worksheet has 5 fill in the blank and 2 short answer questions.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Simple Machines

For Students 2nd - 4th
In this simple machine learning exercise, students review the definitions of different simple machines including levers, wheels, and inclined planes. Students match the 7 words to their definitions and then place the words in to a word...
Lesson Plan
1
1
Purdue University

Simple Machines – Dog Gone It!

For Teachers 3rd
How can people use simple machines to solve real-world STEM problems? Learn about simple machines using a hands-on, project-based learning activity. First, pupils investigate and evaluate simple machines. Then, they receive a task that...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students investigate and explain simple machines and their uses. Key concepts include: lever, screw, pulley, wheel and axle, inclined plane, and wedge.
Unit Plan
Curated OER

Levers and Pulleys and Gears, Oh My!

For Teachers 2nd
Students explore the difference between compound and simple machines in this six lessons of this unit. The purpose and importance of a variety of types of simple machines and the effects of friction are investigated.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Applied Science - Technology (KA) Pre Lab

For Teachers K
Students explore tools. In this tool lesson plan, students see how tools and machines were invented to help people work easier. They see different types of simple machines such as wheel and axle, lever, and wedge. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Wheel & Axle Tractor

For Teachers 1st - 5th
Students design and build a tractor using LEGO materials. They write and draw their designs.
Activity
1
1
Teach Engineering

A Simple Solution for the Circus

For Teachers 6th - 8th
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...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Applied Science - Technology (1B) Pre Lab

For Teachers 1st
First graders explore simple machines. In this technology lesson, 1st graders review pulleys, levers, wedges, and ramps. They experiment with lifting items with and without these simple machines. 
Lesson Plan
1
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".
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Engineering: Simple Machines

For Teachers 4th
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...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Konnecting Simple Machines and K'Nex

For Teachers K - 6th
Learners study and identify different types of simple machines and how they work. They design a simple machine.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Understanding Simple Machines

For Students 5th - 7th
In this simple machines learning exercise, students read about various types of simple machines. They then use what they learned to answer 17 questions. The answers are on the last page.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines in the Home

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students explore simple machines used in the home. In this simple machines lesson, students discover that many household items are constructed from simple machines. Students interact with nutcrackers, peelers, egg slicers, and egg beaters.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Household Tools

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students explore parts of a system. In this simple machines lesson plan, students discover that simple machines are composed of two or more systems. Students examine household tools and assess the parts of the system.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Simple Machines Worksheet

For Students 7th - 12th
In this simple machines activity, students match the simple machine to its definition. Students then identify the pictures by the type of machine it represents. This activity has 6 matching and 12 fill in the blank questions.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Tools and Machines for Work: Saving your Energy

For Teachers 8th - 10th
Learners consider how tools and machines can make work easier. They examine specific tools for making work easier.
Activity
2
2
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.