Museum of Science
Gadget Anatomy: Understanding Machines
Learners observe a machine closely from several angles while it operates. Identify the elements of machines combined in different gadgets. Create a clear diagram of how a machine works.
Curated OER
Applied Science - Technology (KA) Pre Lab
Students explore tools. In this tool lesson, students see how tools and machines were invented to help people work easier. They see different types of simple machines such as wheel and axle, lever, and wedge.
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Stop Pulling My Bot Around!
Students investigate the relationship between work and mechanical advantage. In this physics lesson plan, students calculate the work and efficiency of pulleys. They identify the different types of pulleys.
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Pulleys and Levers
Fifth graders explore the concept of pulleys and levers. They read and discuss text from the book "It's Science! Machines We Use," and in small groups construct a simple lever and pulley using a Lego Dacta set.
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Tools and Machines for Work: Saving your Energy
Students consider how tools and machines can make work easier. They examine specific tools for making work easier.
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Investigating Pulleys
Students investigate pulleys and see how they have a mechanical advantage in lifting heavy loads. In this pulley lesson students make a hypothesis, complete and experiment then complete a worksheet.
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Wheels, Gears, and Compound Machines
Fifth graders read selected pages from their science text and explain forces affected by wheels and axles. They read and discover that gears transfer forces and that gear combinations relate to compound machines.
Chandler Unified School District
Art Masterpiece—Leonardo da Vinci Inventions
After getting to know the inventor, Leonardo da Vinci and his many inventions, scholars think up their own invention. Following a written description and a hand-drawn picture, learners use a method of mirror writing and antiquing to give...
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Simple Machine Test
Students complete several worksheets about machines. In this machine lesson students complete several handouts that describe the different machines and how pulleys work.
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Simply Unique
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.
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Smoses Toy Expo
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...
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Simple Machines or Are They?
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.
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Changes in Force, Motion, and Energy
Eighth graders construct various machines and compare the work done by them.
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Robotic Muscles
Students investigate how adding more pulleys affect the pulling power. In this physics lesson, students explain how pulleys work. They compare the work done by robots with and without pulleys.
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Wheels and Axles 1
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...
NASA
The Wright Quest
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...
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Exploring the Properties of Matter in the Preschool
Students study the properties of the physical and natural world. In this properties of the physical and natural world instructional activity, preschool students work at discovery tables to see how simple machines work, what happens when...
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Break It Down!
Students explore the everyday implications of system failure. They are challenged to identify the causes of system failure.
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Invention
Students create an invention, or simple machine, out of items taken from the recycling bin. Students draw diagrams of their proposed inventions, then create simple machines.
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Building a Car: Mechanical Engineering
Students use common materials to build a car. In this car building mechanical engineering lesson, students build a car using a milk cartoon and plastic wheels. They discuss what mechanical engineers do and what makes a car run.
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Van de Graaff Generator
Students explore static electricity using the Van de Graaff generator. In this physics instructional activity, students construct their own Van de Graaff using simple materials. They explain how charges accumulate on this device.
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Sparky's Engineer: A Story Book Introduction to Engineering
Students investigate what an engineer does. In this engineering lesson, students read the book "Sparky's Engineer" and analyze the different types of engineers that are referenced in the book. The students identify tools and machines...
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Construction Worker Book
Students examine simple tools that are used in everyday life. For this construction worker tools lesson, students decide which tools should be used to solve the construction worker's problems in a manner that demonstrates the Simple...
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Inclined Planes
Students break into small groups with each group using 3 books, a board with pulleys attached at both ends, a toy cart, a small paper cup with a long piece of string attached the end and some pennies. They test their guesses to see if it...