Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)
Smile: Simple Machines
Good combination of teacher demonstration and student interaction for this simple machine lesson. Great for talking about force and work. Plans are for grades 2-4, yet are adaptable.
NASA
Nasa: Simple Machine Resource Chart
This site provides a chart that lists the six simple machines, defines them, explains how it helps and gives examples.
PBS
Wgbh: Peep and the Big Wide World: Read and Discuss: Ten on the Sled
Discussion and integrations ideas for the read aloud book, Ten on the Sled by Kim Norman.
PBS
Wgbh: Peep and the Big Wide World: Explore and Play: Snowy Hills
Students make two snowy hills, one steep and one gentle, to discover their effects on rolling objects.
PBS
Wgbh: Peep and the Big Wide World: Down the Slide
Take the students out to the playground so they can explore things that go down the slide.
PBS
Wgbh: Peep and the Big Wide World: Steep and Steeper
Students explore what happens to a rolling object when the steepness of the ramp is increased.
PBS
Wgbh: Peep and the Big Wide World: Roll or Slide?
A classroom activity where students discover whether an object rolls, slides, or stays put.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: What Is Friction?
Learn about the force of friction on this reference page which defines why friction is important and how it can change physic problems.
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