Curated OER
Levers and Pulleys and Gears, Oh My!
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.
Curated OER
Help, I can't reach it!
Pupils learn the major organ systems in the human body and research simple machines on the Internet; They design an informational brochure about a medical profession and present that career topic to the class.
National Park Service
Pulley Systems Used at Fort McHenry
What a great opportunity to integrate science into your lesson on the War of 1812! Discover how pulley systems were used to move 1,000 lb. cannons at the Battle of Fort McHenry, and to raise the flag that would inspire Francis Scott Key...
Curated OER
Toys, Toys, Toys: Structures and Mechanisms
Second graders continue their examination of how things operate. In groups, they use this information to create a simple toy of their own. They also explain the relationship between stationary and moving objects and share their simple...
Mascil Project
Packaging
Wrap up an engineering lesson plan with a worthwhile project. An engineering design task challenges groups to develop a package for a pharmaceutical company given constraints on the volume. Learners then create a presentation to...
Curated OER
4-H Line & Design Activity Page
In this 4-H activity instructional activity, learners will select their favorite activities and projects from a menu of choices. Then they will work with their 4-H leaders and parents to create a project plan for the year. The activities...
Curated OER
Rube Goldberg Project
Learners apply inquiry and problem solving approaches in science. They design a device (invention) that solves a special problem.
Curated OER
Invention
Students create an invention, or simple machine, out of items taken from the recycling bin. Students draw diagrams of their proposed inventions, then create simple machines.
Curated OER
Toys in Space
Studentsexplore how gravity affects the operation of toys and simple machines. They watch a video and experiment with simple machines.
Curated OER
Technology at Work
Students complete a research project. In this technology lesson plan, students discuss the term technology and when technology began. Students work in groups to brainstorm a list of the top ten technological advances in history. ...
PBS
Reading Adventure Pack: Robots
Two activities work with a fiction and nonfiction book about robots‚—Robot Dreams by Sara Varon and Robot by Roger Bridgman. Scholars read each story, then build a robot out of found objects, examine robot sensors, and search for...
Kids Discover
Ancient Egypt by KIDS DISCOVER
Discover Ancient Egypt! Learn about mummification and gods, visit pyramids and temples, examine cliff carvings and paintings, take quizzes and engage in activities. Colorful, interactive, and easy to use, this app is not just for kids!
Curated OER
Air Movers
Students learn about Rube Goldberg machines (complicated devices designed to accomplish simple tasks and then design and build a machine that uses more than six separate steps to move an empty aluminum can. They can either work...
Curated OER
Building a Car: Mechanical Engineering
Students use common materials to build a car. In this car building mechanical engineering lesson, students build a car using a milk cartoon and plastic wheels. They discuss what mechanical engineers do and what makes a car run.
Curated OER
Van de Graaff Generator
Students explore static electricity using the Van de Graaff generator. In this physics lesson plan, students construct their own Van de Graaff using simple materials. They explain how charges accumulate on this device.
Curated OER
What's the Frequency, Roy G. Biv?
Students examine the concept of frequency and wavelength. They analyze how frequency and wavelength relate to each other by conducting an experiment involving measuring and timing wavelengths by pulling adding machine tape through an...
Curated OER
TE Activity: The Beat Goes On
Students determine what the pulse is before examining how to measure the heart rate in different situations. They build a simple device that measures the heart rate, take heart rates, and record them on a worksheet. They discuss how...
Curated OER
Rube Goldberg
Learners study Rube Goldberg machines. In this architecture lesson, students build a Rube Goldberg machine.
Curated OER
Move It!
Students explore the notion that simple devices can help us move objects when an understanding of forces is applied. They apply the design process, make predictions, draw sketches, make a model and evaluate their solution.
Technology & Engineering Education Association of Pennsylvania
Creating a Team Logo
Most companies have logos to represent them. Ask student teams to come up with their own logos and enter them in a class competition to be screen printed. Groups must include the school initials and the team name and follow a list of...
Curated OER
Instructors Lesson Plan for Impressionist Palette
Learners examine the goal of the Impressionist Landscape quilter to interpret nature with fabric rather than paint. Students discover how to blend hundreds of small squares in a luminous "fabric painting." There is no appliqué, no fabric...
Curated OER
4-H Line & Design Activity Page
What a great activity for students. This 4-H activity sheet has students organize their bedroom, and make clothing, focusing on line and design.
Curated OER
Farming in Ancient Mesopotamia: An Ancient Civil Engineering Problem
Sixth graders identify the major obstacles in farming in Mesopotamia. They work together to design and build a model that solves these problems. They write a short essay that describes the problems and their possible solutions.