+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Three Classes of Levers

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders research the three classes of levers and create a Power Point presentation showcasing the fulcrum, effort arm, and resistance arm in each class. They then write a paper explaining real life applications of the levers.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Physics of Tools

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students investigate the nature and work of simple tools and mechanics. They explain how each simple machine can be used in real world applications. They explore levers, balance beams, windlasses, wedges, gears, ocarinas, harmonicas,...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simply Unique

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students identify, compare and contrast simple machines and their functions. They work together in groups to complete experiments using the simple machines. They write in their journals to reflect on the lesson.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Smoses Toy Expo

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students research one of the simple machines listed in the lesson and review several simple machine websites to complete their research. Students use software and a watch a video to learn more about machines. Students create a poster...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines or Are They?

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students discover basic machines and how they make completing work easier. They identify two basic machines, the inclined plane and the lever and the functions of these simple machines.
+
Worksheet
Curated OER

Simple Machines: Reading Comprehension

For Students 2nd - 3rd
In this comprehension worksheet, students read a short selection about "simple machines" and answer 4 short answer questions based on the selection.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Earth Movers and Shakers

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students explore how the centuries-old invention of the lever led to today's applications in mobiles and crowbars. They watch a video on the lever, then utilize worksheets imbedded in this plan to guide their experiments.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lifting a Load

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students experiments with levers to determine if the amount of force needed to lift a load is always the same. In this physics activity, students use Lab-Pro data collector as they experiment with the fulcrum placement to measure the...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Alexander Calder: Master of Balance

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students build simple mobiles. In this equilibrium lesson, students investigate the functions of three types of levers as they analyze artwork by Alexander Calder. Students then create their own simplified mobiles.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Wheeling It In!

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students use everyday materials (milk cartons, water bottles, pencils, straws, candy) to build a small-scale transportation device that incorporates the wheel and axle and the lever. They race their carts/trucks, measure distance, time...
+
PPT
Curated OER

Backpacks and Hills

For Teachers 5th - 8th
This machines PowerPoint reviews effort and force in relation to work and informs students about different types of machines and the different ways forces are applied and how they work to increase efficiency.
+
Lesson Plan
Cornell University

Catapults

For Students 4th - 8th
Ready, aim, fire! Launch to a new level of understanding as scholars build and test their own catapults. Learners explore lever design and how adjusting the fulcrum changes the outcome. 
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Catapult Unit

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners understand the need for carefully defining the problem before searching for a solution. They understand the need for carefully defining the problem before searching for a solution. Students compare a variety of catapults and the...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Make Work Easier!

For Teachers K - 2nd
Pupils work in pairs to design a lever. They conduct experiments using a penny and nickel to explore the uses of a lever.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Work Made Easy

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders maneuver placement of the fulcrum on the lever to see how to lift weight most easily. They role-play as archaeologists with the task of lifting a heavy rock from the dig site. They write in science journals about what...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Balanced Students

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the relationships between weights, and construct a balanced first class lever. They formulate a general equation for the relationship explored in the experiment and perform calculations.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Levers - An Interactive Lesson

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders identify the different parts of a lever. In this physics lesson, 7th graders draw a lever and label the different parts. They use the interactive board to create their own lever.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Changes in Force, Motion, and Energy

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders construct various machines and compare the work done by them.
+
Activity
DiscoverE

Helping Hand

For Students 6th - 12th
Sometimes we all need a helping hand. Scholars get together to lend a hand in creating an assistive device that must be able to grab a hard-to-reach object. Now that's some help we could all use!
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Wheels and Axles 1

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students investigate how and why wheels are used in different types of machines. They work in teams trying to move a heavy box with and without dowels and discuss which way is easier to move the box. Next, they conduct an experiment...
+
Unit Plan
1
1
PBS

Blow the Roof Off!

For Teachers 3rd - 8th Standards
Blow the minds of young scientists with this collection of inquiry-based investigations. Based on a series of eight videos, these "hands-on, minds-on" science lessons engage young learners in exploring a wide range of topics from making...
+
Lesson Plan
NASA

The Wright Quest

For Teachers Pre-K - 6th
A very impressive lesson plan on the Wright brothers and their place in aviation history. Learners discover many fascinating facts about the Wright brothers and their trials and errors regarding flight. Best of all, they get to build a...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Catapults

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students discover the catapult. In this catapult lesson, students research the history of the catapult and how it works. They work in groups to build their own catapult using tootpicks, popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and spoons. 
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Break It Down!

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore the everyday implications of system failure. They are challenged to identify the causes of system failure.

Other popular searches