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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Forces Applied to an Object

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders predict, observe, and compare what happens when a force is applied to an object. In this forces lesson, 4th graders complete a 'swinging hammer' activity to learn about forces and motion.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Build a Space Shuttle

For Teachers K
Pupils explore the concept of space. In this space lesson plan, students pretend to be aerospace engineers. Pupils build space ships out of cardboard tubes. Students discuss what aerospace engineers do. Pupils model their space ships...
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Activity
Science Buddies

Science Buddies: There's a Machine in My Toy Box!

For Students 3rd - 5th
Simple machines are everywhere, even many of your toys are simple machines. Come visit this science fair project and explore the six types of simple machines. Find out how many are hiding under the hinged lid (yes, another simple...
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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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Article
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Simple Machines and How to Use This Tutorial

For Students 6th - 8th
There are six simple machines. They are as follows: lever, wheel, pulley, incline plane, wedge, and screw. This tutorial will cover the first three.
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Website
Ducksters

Ducksters: Physics for Kids: Simple Machines

For Students 1st - 9th
Kids learn about the science behind simple machines such as levers, wheels, pulleys, inclined planes, and screws. How they work together to make complex machinery.
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Handout
Science Struck

Science Struck: 5 Inventions of Archimedes

For Students 9th - 10th
Describes five inventions of Archimedes and the stories behind them.
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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
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)

Smile: Simple Machines (Grades 1 To12)

For Teachers 9th - 10th
In this lesson plan learners start by trying to open a paint can with their bare hands. Eventually, they will use a lever to open it. Various activities are used to enforce different simple machines.
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Interactive
Soft Schools

Soft Schools: Simple Machines

For Students 3rd - 5th
Identify the six simple machines by dragging the correct term, and dropping it onto the associated simple machine.
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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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Lesson Plan
SEDL

Southwest Educational Development Laboratory: Simple Machines [Pdf]

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
This large PDF file contains seven lessons on simple machines. Includes illustrations. Requires Adobe Reader.
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Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

Alex: Inventions Using Simple Machines Project

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students will have completed a unit on the six simple machines (lever, inclined plane, pulley, wedge, screw, and wheel and axle) before beginning this project. Students will choose to investigate an invention composed of one or more...
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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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