Colorado Unit Writing Project
Simple Machines
Planning an elementary science unit has never been simpler! These twelve lessons guide young scientists through an exploration of simple machines and their many uses in the real world before asking them to apply their learning in the...
Teach Engineering
The Advantage of Machines
Show your students how to make their work easier. The first lesson plan in a series of 10 introduces the class to work and the way simple machines can be make work easier. The simple machines scholars can find in everyday items are...
Curated OER
New Creations from Six Simple Machines
Students explore different types of simple machines and research the concepts of force, effort, and work. They conduct Internet research and complete a worksheet about examples of simple machines used in everyday life. Students also...
Teach Engineering
Just Plane Simple
It is plane to see that simple machines help reduce the force needed to perform a task. This resource introduces three of the simple machines--the inclined plane, the wedge, and the screw, and the formulas in order to be able to...
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...
Scholastic
It's a Whatchamacallit
Learners formulate new applications for simple machines in an original invention that solves a common problem. They brainstorm ideas for a new product using simple machines and communicate a finished project through an oral, written, and...
Curated OER
Simple Machines, Engines and the Environment
Fourth graders calculate the mechanical advantage of an inclined plane. In this physics lesson plan, 4th graders identify the different types of simple machines and their uses. They give examples of compound machines.
Curated OER
Make Life Simple
Students examine six simple machines by looking at pictures of real world objects.
Curated OER
Internet Field Trip: Simple Machines
Learners observe and identify the types of simple machines. They conduct research and gather data to increase the comprehension of simple machines. Students identify and comprehend data to complete a graphic organizer and focus...
Curated OER
Simple/Complex Machines
Learners make a simple machine. In this physics instructional activity, students learn about six types of simple machines and the purpose of each and brainstorm examples of simple and complex machines in the classroom. Learners create a...
Curated OER
Qualitative Examples of Conservation of Mechanical Energy
Instructions for series of six activites, a reading of scientific literature, and a choice of six assessments await you in this physics resource. Well-written plans guide you in guiding your pupils to experiment with levers, pulleys,...
Curated OER
Simple Machines
Third graders are introduced to the six types of simple machines and discover how they make tasks easier. In groups, they rotate between stations to experiment with the different types of simple machines. To end the activity, they make...
Curated OER
Simple Machines, Engines and the Environment
Learners examine and describe the six main simple machines. In groups, they work with an inclined plane to calculate the ideal and actual mechanical advantages of the plane. Using their results, they must determine the efficiency of the...
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
Force and Motion Flip Books
Fourth graders identify six simple machines in real world examples, distinguish between the three different types of levers and explain Newton's three laws of motion. They create a multimedia presentation over the information they've...
Curated OER
Simple Machines and Modern Day Engineering Analogies
Students apply the mechanical advantages and problem-solving capabilities of six types of simple machines (wedge, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, screw, pulley) as they discuss modern structures in the spirit of the engineers and...
Kenan Fellows
The Newton Challenge
Make Newton proud. Scholars apply their understanding of forces and energy to an engineering design challenge. They learn about simple machines, create a presentation on Newton's laws, and develop a balloon-powered car.
Curated OER
Making Life Easier
Students use a chart of the six simple machines and become aware of how the machines improve our ability to meet the following needs: shelter, food, water, and transportation. Students use model cars to experiment with force. They divide...
Curated OER
Simple Machine Invention
Students access the Internet and research simple machines. They locate five different web sites within a simple machines web quest and then create their own simple machine invention using the resources found on the Internet.
Curated OER
Simple Machines
Students investigate how to make simple jobs even easier. They must find the types of machines that can be made in order to do this. Students define six different simple machines and their uses.
Curated OER
Leprechaun Traps Using Simple Machines
Are you looking for a fun way to incorporate St. Patrick's Day into your science curriculum? Try designing and building leprechaun traps!
Curated OER
Junkyard Wars: Air Movers
Students study Rube Goldberg machines. In this investigative lesson plan students design and build a machine that uses several steps to move an aluminum can.
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
Rube Goldberg Project
Learners apply inquiry and problem solving approaches in science. They design a device (invention) that solves a special problem.