Beacon Learning Center
Beacon Learning Center: Simple Machines Made Simple
The six types of simple machines are explained clearly through pictures, text and videos.
Beacon Learning Center
Beacon Learning Center: How Can We Move Our Principal?
In this problem solving exercise, students must decide which simple machine would work best in different situations, in order to help the principal manoeuvre himself after he has hurt his leg and can't walk. The site has a good tutorial...
Other
Archimedes Screw: Engravings
This site, maintained by Dr. Chris Rorres of Drexel University, demonstrates how the design of Archimedes screw has made lasting impressions upon modern society. These historic engravings demonstrate the practical uses of the screw in...
The Franklin Institute
Franklin Institute Online: Simple Machines
Information on all six simple machines, nicely presented with extra information available for all. Other sources available. Do "Try This Demonstration."
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.
University of Houston
University of Houston: Science Lessons: Simple Machines Learning Site
Provides definitions of all 6 simple machines with examples and student drawing of them. Interactive "simple machines quiz" at the end.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Engineering: Simple Machines
Simple machines are devices with few or no moving parts that make work easier. Learners are introduced to the six types of simple machines - the wedge, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, screw, and pulley - in the context of the...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Slide Right on by Using an Inclined Plane
Students explore building a pyramid, learning about the simple machine called an inclined plane. They also learn about another simple machine, the screw, and how it is used as a lifting or fastening device. During a hands-on activity,...
Read Works
Read Works: Machines Can Move
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about simple machines people use every day. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physical Science: Screw
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] What a screw is, how it works and its mechanical advantage.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physical Science: Simple Machines
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] What a machine is, the three ways that machines make work easier and simple and compound machines.
Utah Education Network
Uen: Force, Energy, and Motion: Complex Machines for Simple Tasks!
Designed for Grade Eight, this collection of lessons provides information, examples and quizzes related to simple machines. Elementary students studying this topic will find this site informative as well.
Soft Schools
Soft Schools: Physics Quizzes: Simple Machines
Assess your understanding of the six simple machines with this interactive multiple choice quiz. Immediate feedback is available.
Integrated Publishing
Integrated Publishing/the Screw
A full and complete discussion of the simple machine called the screw, a modified inclined plane. Many examples and drawings and applications.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Simple Machines
During this lesson plan, learners learn about the six types of simple machines. They define each type of machine, experiment with each type, utilize the Internet to explore each type of machine and build their own simple machine. This...
Other
Uss Constitution Museum: Constructing a Warship
USS Constitution was built as a fighting machine and utilized the six simple machines of science to accomplish the many tasks required of her. Students will identify and manipulate these machines to create inventions that would have made...
Scholastic
Scholastic: Dirtmeister's Science Reporters: Simple Machines: The Screw
Scholastic provides an in-depth description here of a simple machine called The Screw. Also provides a picture and several examples for understanding.
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.
NASA
Nasa: The Screw
In this lesson plan students learn how to make a screw and compare how many turns it takes for different screws to embed into a piece of wood.
NASA
Nasa: Simple Machines
A lesson plan site that contains activities designed to give grades 3 and 4 experiences in using simple machines.
Sophia Learning
Sophia: Simple Machines: Lesson 2
This lesson will introduce the six types of simple machines and show how machines can increase efficiency by reducing work input needed. It is 2 of 2 in the series titled "Simple Machines."
Sophia Learning
Sophia: Simple Machines: Lesson 1
This lesson will introduce the six types of simple machines and show how machines can increase efficiency by reducing work input needed. It is 1 of 2 in the series titled "Simple Machines."
Sophia Learning
Sophia: Simple Machines: Screw: Lesson 2
This lesson will explain how to calculate the mechanical advantage of a screw. It is 2 of 2 in the series titled "Simple Machines: Screw."