Other
New Path Learning: Virtual Lab: Exploring Pulleys
Investigate how changing the load, number of pulleys, and the size of the person affect the function of a pulley system. Students can record their observations on a data table.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Give Yourself a Lift: Lightening the Load With Pulleys
Before the Industrial Age, people relied on muscle power for moving and lifting heavy objects. Here's a project that shows you how you can use your head to make heavy lifting easier on your muscles - and your back.
Scholastic
Scholastic: Dirtmeister's Science Reporters: Simple Machines: Pulley
With-it explanation of how the pulley works, where it's found. Most interesting, as Scholastic material usually is.
Scholastic
Scholastic: Study Jams! Science: Force and Motion: Simple Machines
A slideshow and a short quiz on simple machines and how they reduce the amount of work or effort needed to complete a task.
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.
Science Struck
Science Struck: 5 Inventions of Archimedes
Describes five inventions of Archimedes and the stories behind them.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physical Science: Mechanical Advantage
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Actual and ideal mechanical advantage, how to calculate them and the mechanical advantage of different types of machines.
SEDL
Southwest Educational Development Laboratory: Simple Machines [Pdf]
This large PDF file contains seven lessons on simple machines. Includes illustrations. Requires Adobe Reader.
![Educaplus: Dinamicas De Dos Masas Que Cuelgan De Una Polea [In Spanish] Interactive](https://content.lessonplanet.com/knovation/original/408860-61c268f12e47634bb4f222f816b18bf7.jpg?1661771905 "Educaplus: Dinamicas De Dos Masas Que Cuelgan De Una Polea [In Spanish] Interactive")
Educaplus (Jesús Peñas Cano)
Educaplus: Dinamicas De Dos Masas Que Cuelgan De Una Polea [In Spanish]
This is a short demonstration to see the dynamics of two masses connected by a pulley.
American Association of Physics Teachers
Com Padre Digital Library: Open Source Physics: Atwood Machine in Fluid Model
Simulation of an Atwood machine where two masses of varying densities are suspended in water using a pulley system. Adjust the densities of the masses, their positions and the water level to see how the changing gravitational, buoyant,...
Science Struck
Science Struck: Simple Machines for Kids
Gives short descriptions of the six types of simple machines.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Simple Machines and How to Use This Tutorial
There are six simple machines. They are as follows: lever, wheel, pulley, incline plane, wedge, and screw. This tutorial will cover the first three.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Physics for Kids: Simple Machines
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.
Soft Schools
Soft Schools: Simple Machines
Identify the six simple machines by dragging the correct term, and dropping it onto the associated simple machine.
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.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Inventions Using Simple Machines Project
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...
University of Houston
University of Houston: Simple Machines Learning Site
Simple descriptions and drawings of simple machines. Click on each image for a further explanation and examples.
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)
Smile: Simple Machines (Grades 1 To12)
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.
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.