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Activity
The Franklin Institute

Franklin Institute Online: Simple Machines

For Students 6th - 8th
Information on all six simple machines, nicely presented with extra information available for all. Other sources available. Do "Try This Demonstration."
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Handout
Other

University of Arkansas: Simple Machines

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Unit Plan
Scholastic

Scholastic: Study Jams! Science: Force and Motion: Simple Machines

For Students 3rd - 5th
A slideshow and a short quiz on simple machines and how they reduce the amount of work or effort needed to complete a task.
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Unit Plan
University of Houston

University of Houston: Science Lessons: Simple Machines Learning Site

For Students 3rd - 5th
Provides definitions of all 6 simple machines with examples and student drawing of them. Interactive "simple machines quiz" at the end.
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Activity
Read Works

Read Works: Machines Can Move

For Teachers 2nd
[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.
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Handout
Utah Education Network

Uen: Force, Energy, and Motion: Complex Machines for Simple Tasks!

For Students 3rd - 8th
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.
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Unknown Type
Soft Schools

Soft Schools: Physics Quizzes: Simple Machines

For Students 9th - 10th
Assess your understanding of the six simple machines with this interactive multiple choice quiz. Immediate feedback is available.
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Interactive
Walter Fendt

Walter Fendt: Apps Zur Physik

For Students 9th - 10th
This site, in German, offers numerous apps that illustrate common physics principles. Apps are organized into categories: mechanics, oscillations and waves, electrodynamics, optics, thermodynamics, the theory of relativity, physics of...
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Handout
eSchool Today

E School Today: Simple Machine

For Students 4th - 8th
Learn about the different types of simple machines.
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Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

Alex: Simple Machines

For Teachers Pre-K - 1st
During this lesson, students 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 lesson...
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Lesson Plan
Other

Uss Constitution Museum: Constructing a Warship

For Teachers 1st - 5th
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...
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Unit Plan
Sophia Learning

Sophia: Simple Machines: Lesson 2

For Students 9th - 10th
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."
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PPT
Sophia Learning

Sophia: Simple Machines: Lesson 1

For Students 9th - 10th
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."
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Whiteboard
ClassFlow

Class Flow: Simple Machines Quiz

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart consists of a humorous quiz on identifying simple machines and forces of motion such as gravity and inertia.
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Handout
Science Struck

Science Struck: Simple Machines for Kids

For Students 2nd - 4th
Gives short descriptions of the six types of simple machines.
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Lesson Plan
NASA

Nasa: Simple Machines

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
A lesson plan site that contains activities designed to give grades 3 and 4 experiences in using simple machines.
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Lesson Plan
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)

Smile: Simple Machines

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
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.
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Handout
NASA

Nasa: Simple Machine Resource Chart

For Students 3rd - 8th
This site provides a chart that lists the six simple machines, defines them, explains how it helps and gives examples.