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
Torque Me Off
Students investigate the lever and the mathematics associated with levers. They determine the conditions necessary to balance a system of forces around a fulcrum.
Curated OER
Who's the Frog Jumping Champion?
Students use a simple machine (a lever) to launch a plastic frog. students determine who is able to make their frog "jump" the farthest and graph the results.
Curated OER
Break It Down!
Students explore the everyday implications of system failure. They are challenged to identify the causes of system failure.
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
Levers - An Interactive Lesson
Seventh graders identify the different parts of a lever. In this physics lesson, 7th graders draw a lever and label the different parts. They use the interactive board to create their own lever.
Curated OER
Levers
Students compare and contrast the three different types of levers. In this physics lesson, students hypothesize how ancient Egyptians use them to build structures. They construct their own lever after teacher approves their design.
Curated OER
Exploring Levers
Young scholars examine the parts of a lever system and their functions. In this simple machines lesson students study the different classes of levers and what they are used for.
Curated OER
The Jensen Bar - What is It and How to Make One
Students identify and make a Jensen Bar. In this Jensen Bar lesson, students study pictures of Jensen Bars and then build their own bar using the listed materials and given directions.
Curated OER
How Do Simple Machines Work?
In this simple machines worksheet, students brainstorm problems that can be solved by the work of simple machines. This worksheet is a graphic organizer.
Curated OER
Simple Machines
In this simple machines worksheet, students will write in 6 examples of simple machines and then write in what those simple machines can do.
Curated OER
The Physics of Tools
Students investigate the nature and work of simple tools and mechanics.
They explain how each simple machine can be used in real world applications. They explore levers, balance beams, windlasses, wedges, gears, ocarinas, harmonicas,...
Curated OER
Secrets of Lost Empires I
Students investigate how levers can be used to lift objects. They participate in hands-on activities to explore the distance a load is lifted when comparing the amount the lever arm was pushed down. Students discover the how placement...
Curated OER
LEGO Balance
Students design and build a balance using LEGO, string, and a set of standard metric weights.
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
Three Classes of Levers
Eighth graders research the three classes of levers and create a Power Point presentation showcasing the fulcrum, effort arm, and resistance arm in each class. They then write a paper explaining real life applications of the levers.
Curated OER
Work Made Easy
Second graders maneuver placement of the fulcrum on the lever to see how to lift weight most easily. They role-play as archaeologists with the task of lifting a heavy rock from the dig site. They write in science journals about what...
Curated OER
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.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Balancing Mobiles
In this lesson plan, students will apply mathematical, science, and engineering concepts to experiment with balancing levers. They will learn to classify types of levers to design and build a simplified mobile. Students will explore...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Lever an Obelisk
Investigate the mechanical advantage of the lever in this interactive activity from the NOVA Web site.
![Pbs Kids: Design Squad Challenge: Pop Fly [Pdf] Handout](https://content.lessonplanet.com/knovation/original/39881-209cdcaac474e70b6b2eb7058161d9a9.jpg?1661182352 "Pbs Kids: Design Squad Challenge: Pop Fly [Pdf] Handout")
PBS
Pbs Kids: Design Squad Challenge: Pop Fly [Pdf]
Hands-on challenge to design and build a way to launch a Ping-Pong ball high enough to catch it. Provides full list of materials with ideas on how to design, build, test, and redesign it if necessary. Activity focuses on the engineering...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Effect of Trebuchet Arm Length or Counterweight Mass on Project
A trebuchet is a catapult that uses a counterweight to supply the energy for throwing. They were used in the Middle Ages for attacking castle walls. In this project, you build your own model trebuchet and investigate how design changes...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Give It a Lift With a Lever
Simple machines allow us to do difficult tasks like lifting objects heavier than our body weight. In this science project you'll build a tabletop lever and measure how much effort it takes to lift an object by altering the length of the...
Utah Education Network
Uen: Trb 3:3 Investigation 3 Weighty Mistakes
Understand the concept of "work" and the use of levers.