Curated OER
Building the Pyramids: No Light Task
Eighth graders perform experiments with simple machines and write up the results. They research the construction of the step pyramid and the three pyramids at Giza. Students research how the ancient Egyptians used simple machines in...
Curated OER
Exploring Machine Trapunto
This machine quilting class will teach you how to add beautiful trapunto effects without having to make tiny slits in the back of your quilt. (Shops and teachers may use this description in their announcements, flyers, etc.)
Curated OER
Roll with the Punches: Depression Era Machinery
Students construct models of simple and complicated machines with Legos. Then they design an experiment using the scientific method. ESE modifications included.
Curated OER
Spin Art
The best part about spin art is that is demonstrates the concept of centrifugal force. Explore the magical spin of gravity as you make colorful art. This lesson idea is short, very simple, and requires a spin art machine.
Curated OER
Pulley Power
Third graders engage in a manipulative experiment in the mechanical advantage of simple machines. It graphically demonstrates the change in magnitude of applied force when using simple machines. Great for ESL to discover the ratio...
Curated OER
Copycats
Learners practice making prints of their own unique designs. In this printmaking lesson, students create a design with paint on Styrofoam plates. They press their painted picture on paper to create a duplicate print. They then practice...
Curated OER
Help, I can't reach it!
Students 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.
Curated OER
Rolling Spheres on Inclined Planes
Students determine the distance of a sphere rolling down an incline. In this physics lesson students participate in a lab that demonstrates how inclined planes make work easier.
Curated OER
Alexander Calder: Master of Balance
Students build simple mobiles. In this equilibrium lesson plan, 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
Getting into Shape
Students identify 3-D geometric shapes through different pieces of artwork. They examine and identify segments and angles. Students act out shapes and create a piece of artwork. Additional cross curriculum activities are listed.
Curated OER
Environmental Studies: The Power of Wind
Investigate the prospect of wind as a renewable resource. Second and third graders make a pinwheel, answer critical thinking questions, and then attempt to use wind power to wind string. I would be more apt to use this lesson in a 1st or...
Curated OER
Rube Goldberg
Students study Rube Goldberg machines. In this architecture lesson, students build a Rube Goldberg machine.
Curated OER
Agriculture in Motion
Youngsters learn about simple machines that could be used on a farm. They learn about agricluture, listen to a farmer speak, compare and contrast different farm machines, and then design their own. Note that although the publisher...
Curated OER
Magnetic Discovery Bottle
Students examine how to conduct simple investigations and use simple equipment to gather data. In this magnet lesson students decide what types of objects are attracted to magnets.
TryEngineering
Here Comes the Sun
Students explore concept of how solar energy is gathered by solar panels and adapted to provide power to machines, disassemble solar powered calculator and explore component parts, and work in teams to suggest design enhancements to the...
Jefferson Lab
The Shape of Things
Here is an interesting science lesson/activity which has learners working in groups in order to simulate experiments done at the Jefferson Science Lab. In this one, groups use a pie tin, a Hula Hoops, a marble, and a magic marker to...
Illustrative Mathematics
Molly's Run, Assessment Variation
Part of as assessment series, the activity follows the instructional activity Molly's Run to practice ratios and dividing with fractions. Different solution options are given for your learners' preference. The commentary...
Curated OER
Friction and Machines
Fifth graders experimentally determine the relationship of friction to the functioning of machines. They demonstrate that rollers can decrease frictional force and increase speed and research to discover other ways that friction can be...
Curated OER
Windmills: Putting Wind Energy to Work
Students review engineering design process and discuss how wind can be used to help get work done. They look at a variety of windmills, focusing on different materials used in construction of windmills.
Curated OER
We Have Work To Do - Science
Students begin to think of ways to make work easier. They will focus on ways to extend their abilities to lift heavy things. They will identify levers, pulleys, and inclined planes through the examination of concrete objects and hands on...
Curated OER
Covered with Love: A Look at Me Quilt
Students create a bright and busy quilt to visually stimulate an infant or toddler. They use both hand applique and machine applique to piece together colorful scraps using many different shapes and patterns.
Curated OER
Simply Sensational 9-Patch Stars
Students construct a 9-Patch Star using foundation units in the required text "Simply Sensational 9-Patch Stars." They discuss fabric selection for the star block. Students cut and label their fabrics.
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.
Curated OER
Design Challenge: Cup in the Cupboard
Students design device that will place a cup into a cupboard for a physically challenged person. They study the engineering design and how structure relates to function.