Curated OER
Making Life Easier
Learners 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...
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Changes in Force, Motion, and Energy
Eighth graders construct various machines and compare the work done by them.
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Packaging and Transport
Learners examine the methods by which food is packaged and transported to their dinner tables. In this packaging and transporting lesson plan, students explore how machines help people grow food. Learners also obtain knowledge about how...
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Levers and Wedges in the Human Body
Young scholars identify the various parts of the body that serve as wedges and levers, identifying the fulcrum for each body lever. They bite into carrots and apples to analyze how their jaws and teeth work, then complete three...
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It's So Simple
Students use basic materials to create four simple machines. In this introduction to simple machines lesson, students are given four different scenarios that require a simple machine in order to solve. The students use devices such as a...
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Farming 1: Farm Machines
Students examine how machines help people grow food. They study specialized types of farm machines and the tasks they perform. They complete handouts matching images of the machines with text.
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Systems, UP, Up and Away!
Students discuss rockets and how they work. Students research basic information about the Space Shuttle. Students work in collaborative groups creating "rockets" with empty film canisters. Students launch their "rockets" and record...
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Wheels and Axles 1
Students investigate how and why wheels are used in different types of machines. They work in teams trying to move a heavy box with and without dowels and discuss which way is easier to move the box. Next, they conduct an experiment...
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Fulcrums in Our Body
Second graders discuss fulcrums and levers and identify at least two fulcrums and levers on their bodies. They also identify fulcrums and levers on animal bodies.
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Catapult Unit
Students understand the need for carefully defining the problem before searching for a solution. They understand the need for carefully defining the problem before searching for a solution. Students compare a variety of catapults and the...
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Machine Poetry
Fourth graders write poems describing the relationship of machine parts. In this poetry writing lesson, 4th graders review a system and examples. Students discuss the systems individual parts and how they work. Students use the given...
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Make Work Easier!
Pupils work in pairs to design a lever. They conduct experiments using a penny and nickel to explore the uses of a lever.
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Tools and Machines for Work: Saving your Energy
Students consider how tools and machines can make work easier. They examine specific tools for making work easier.
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What Can We Lose? What Do We Lose as we Gain Force With A Lever?
Third graders view a demonstration of a teeter totter as a basis for assessing pre-knowledge of a lever. They create a KwL chart. Students work in small groups to conduct a variety of experiments. The first requires students to tie books...
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Can You Find the Difference?
Students create their own balance to determine a difference in the weight (and composition) of cents made in different years.
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TE Activity: Choosing a Pyramid Site
Students determine how engineers decide on choices for final designs and sites for construction. They look at a surveyor's report while they evaluate sites where a pyramid could be build. They consider the distance the pyramid would be...
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Simple Machine Test
Young scholars complete several worksheets about machines. In this machine activity students complete several handouts that describe the different machines and how pulleys work.
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Optical Illusion Machine
Students explore optical illusions. Using Legos, they construct and motorize a machine that has an axle that's geared up and geared down, complete a worksheet, and answer discussion questions.
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Simple Machines, Odd Machine
Students construct a device to 'launch' a marshmallow at the teacher and then discuss various forms of levers. They work in teams to design catapults and identify different kinds of levers.
Cornell University
Catapults
Ready, aim, fire! Launch to a new level of understanding as scholars build and test their own catapults. Learners explore lever design and how adjusting the fulcrum changes the outcome.
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Simply Unique
Students identify, compare and contrast simple machines and their functions. They work together in groups to complete experiments using the simple machines. They write in their journals to reflect on the lesson.
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Match the Machine
Students identify simple machines found in different environments. In this matching lesson, students match the machine with the place it belongs.
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Snow Day
Eighth graders work in small groups to design and build a snow remover while looking at a snow design brief. They combine 2 or more simple machines to form a compound machine following the design brief in order to meet the required...
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Moving Along With Simple Machines: Introduction
Students observe examples of gravity, friction, and force on the playground. They then experiment and participate in a variety of activities in centers back in the classroom.