Curated OER
Emotional Speed with Balls and Ramps
Fifth graders investigate the relationship between mass and speed. In this physics lesson, 5th graders experiment with motion by being given a ramp, two balls, and blocks or books for elevation. Students determine how different variables...
Radford University
Finding Slope
The class takes a trip about the school and find four places to measure the rise and run of objects that represent slope in the building. Pairs work together to calculate the slope of each object and determine whether any ramp they find...
Curated OER
Simple Machines
Students explore the concepts of force and effort by observing simple machines. In this physics lesson, students attempt to sharpen a pencil without any help, bite into an orange with their lips curled over their teeth, and other...
Curated OER
Sunken Millions Simple Machines
This PowerPoint includes a quiz show game in which two teams compete for points received by answering questions about simple machines. The content reviewed includes the types of simple machines, identifying examples of simple machines...
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
You are Uniquely You
Students compare and contrast simple machines and their functions. In this cross-curriculum science simple machines lesson, students observe examples and read about simple machines, then use body movement to demonstrate how machines...
Curated OER
Simple Machines Chart
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.
Curated OER
Mr. and Miss Big Feet
Third graders experiment with gravitational force. In this physical science lesson, 3rd graders send matchbox cars off a ramp while changing the amount of weight attached to the car. Students record their data and discuss the results.
Curated OER
On The Go! Forces and Motion
Students create a car using physics. In this forces and motion lesson, students create a car and test which changes in design change the performance of the car. Students complete a graphic organizer with the different changes they see.
Curated OER
Simple Machines
In this physics worksheet, students use the clues given on the sheet to complete the crossword puzzle on simple machines. There are 18 clues to solve in the puzzle.
Curated OER
Simple Machines - Fruit Wedge
Fourth graders examine the principles and uses of inclined planes, screws, and wedges while they determine examples of simple machines that are use in everyday life. They separate different kinds of fruit into pieces to determine the...
Curated OER
Friction
Learners explore how friction change motion and why friction is important. Students set up an incline plane. They slide wooden blocks down the incline plane and measure the distance from the end of the track that the block moved....
Curated OER
Rap-Tap-Tap
Fifth graders investigate incline planes and wedges. They identify a variety of incline planes and wedges that are found all around them. Students record their findings using a worksheet.
Curated OER
Getting Help, but for More Work?
Fifth graders discuss prior knowledge of slope and force. They relate steepness of slope to the force needed to get an object up the slope. Students read from their text the information about inclined planes. They answer the questions...
PHET
Energy Skate Park: Basics
Keep calm and half pipe. An exciting simulation teaches pupils about energy transfer from potential to kinetic and thermal as a skater moves through a half pipe or other track. After a brief introduction, scholars can build their own...
Curated OER
Acceleration Lab
Young Einsteins experiment with the acceleration of Hot Wheels™ toy cars down inclined planes at various angles. This classic physics lab activity is thoroughly explained in both a teacher’s guide and a student lab sheet. Science...
Physics Classroom
All Work and No Play Lab
Don't let the term, "slotted wood board" detract you from the value of this experiment. Class members tie a string to a cart and, with even horizontal force, drag it up an inclined plane. The objective is to compare the work done with...
Curated OER
Robot Ramps
Learners write the slope of a linear equation. For this algebra lesson, students follow a robot along a coordinate plane and create an equation to represent the ramp created. They identify the points the ramp passes through.
Curated OER
Deep Thoughts
Students examine what lies within the Earth. They research and create scale models illustrating the layers of the Earth and write skits advocating a travel plan to send a probe into the Earth's mantle.
Curated OER
Science: Invent a Gadget
Third graders invent gadgets using simple machine principles. Once they have assembled graphic organizers containing information about their invention, they draw diagrams and explain how their gadget works. Lastly, 3rd graders write...
Curated OER
If Simple Machines Weren't Around...Worksheet
In this simple machines worksheet, students fill out a chart involving 6 simple machines while explaining the function and benefits of each one. Students describe which simple machine they feel has had the greatest impact on mankind.
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
Motion
In this motion activity, students determine the motion of a ball on different inclined planes, including the velocity and acceleration. This activity has 8 problems to solve.
Curated OER
Roller Ball Race
Learners use problem-solving skills and creativity to build a roller ball race track with adjustable ramp levels and changeable friction surfaces. They hypothesize how fast or slow balls will roll down ramps, varying the shape and size...