Curated OER
Simple Machines make work easier.
Students examine how simple machine work can make work easier. In this machines lesson students complete an activity that shows them what makes up a machine, and how to measure displacement and velocity.
Curated OER
Great Inventions
In this creative thinking activity, students identify and list nine of the best and most important inventions ever created. Then they list nine of the not so good inventions. Finally, students list three of their personal favorites.
Curated OER
Supersonic Spies
Students analyze a simple machine and use "reverse engineering" to create an exact replica. They interpret incomplete information to build a simple wheel-and-axle machine. Students discuss how building a machine activity correlates to...
Curated OER
Invention Convention
Fifth graders recognize the work of Leonardo da Vinci. They invent a new machine for the 21st century and make a model of the invention.
E-learning for Kids
E Learning for Kids: Science: Iceland: What Is Electricity?
Go on a fishing trip with Martin and his grandfather. They use a lot of electrical equipment. Help him find out which items use electricity.
Library of Congress
Loc: Poetry 180: Machines
This poem describes the characteristics of an effective machine.
Other
University of Arkansas: Simple Machines
A thorough discussion of all the simple machines, beginning with some thoughts on mechanical advantage and conservation of energy. Very complete. Move down to the section that interests you.
Sophia Learning
Sophia: Energy: Machines, Motion and Light
An introductory lesson describing the definition of energy, and highlighting different sources of usable energy.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physical Science: Compound Machine
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Provides a definition of a compound machine with examples and discusses the efficiency and mechanical advantage of compound machines.
Utah State Office of Education
Utah State Office of Education: Rube Goldberg Activity
Contains a description, pictures, and a video of a Rube Goldberg machine in action. Also describes an activity to build a 20 step Rube Goldberg Machine.
Museum of Science
Science Learning Network: Inventor's Workshop
A short piece on Leonardo da Vinci from the Science Learning Network. Placed here because a) there's a decent drawing of an Archimedes' screw, and b) there's a link to an adequate definition thereof.
Other
Eric's History of Perpetual Motion and Free Energy
This personal site, "Eric's History of Perpetual Motion and Free Energy Machines," provides a timeline of the machines and their makers.
National Institute of Educational Technologies and Teacher Training (Spain)
Ministerio De Educacion: Ciencias, Geografia E Historia
These are interactive activities developed for the area of natural science.
Sophia Learning
Sophia: Practice W/ Efficiency
This lesson provides the learner with example problems on calculating efficiency.
Other
Metroactive: Scrt's 'The Adding Machine' Tots Up
Homepage for a theatre production of Rice's "The Adding Machine," the page also includes a brief explanation by Rice of his inspiration in writing the play.