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Unit Plan
Colorado Unit Writing Project

Simple Machines

For Teachers 2nd - 5th Standards
Planning an elementary science unit has never been simpler! These twelve lessons guide young scientists through an exploration of simple machines and their many uses in the real world before asking them to apply their learning in the...
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Lesson Plan
1
1
Teach Engineering

The Advantage of Machines

For Teachers 7th - 9th Standards
Show your students how to make their work easier. The first instructional activity in a series of 10 introduces the class to work and the way simple machines can be make work easier. The simple machines scholars can find in everyday...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

New Creations from Six Simple Machines

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore different types of simple machines and research the concepts of force, effort, and work. They conduct Internet research and complete a worksheet about examples of simple machines used in everyday life. Students also...
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Lesson Plan
2
2
Teach Engineering

Just Plane Simple

For Teachers 7th - 9th Standards
It is plane to see that simple machines help reduce the force needed to perform a task.  This resource introduces three of the simple machines--the inclined plane, the wedge, and the screw, and  the formulas in order to be able to...
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Activity
1
1
Teach Engineering

A Simple Solution for the Circus

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Class members are challenged to design a device that will move a circus elephant into a train car. Groups brainstorm ideas that use simple machines to load the elephant. They then choose one of their ideas, sketch a plan, and present it...
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Lesson Plan
Scholastic

It's a Whatchamacallit

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
Learners formulate new applications for simple machines in an original invention that solves a common problem. They brainstorm ideas for a new product using simple machines and communicate a finished project through an oral, written, and...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines, Engines and the Environment

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders calculate the mechanical advantage of an inclined plane. In this physics instructional activity, 4th graders identify the different types of simple machines and their uses. They give examples of compound machines.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Make Life Simple

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students examine six simple machines by looking at pictures of real world objects.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Internet Field Trip: Simple Machines

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students observe and identify the types of simple machines. They conduct research and gather data to increase the comprehension of simple machines. Students identify and comprehend data to complete a graphic organizer and focus...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple/Complex Machines

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students make a simple machine. For this physics lesson, students learn about six types of simple machines and the purpose of each and brainstorm examples of simple and complex machines in the classroom. Students create a simple or...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Qualitative Examples of Conservation of Mechanical Energy

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed
Instructions for series of six activites, a reading of scientific literature, and a choice of six assessments await you in this physics resource. Well-written plans guide you in guiding your pupils to experiment with levers, pulleys,...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders are introduced to the six types of simple machines and discover how they make tasks easier. In groups, they rotate between stations to experiment with the different types of simple machines. To end the lesson, they make a...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines, Engines and the Environment

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students examine and describe the six main simple machines. In groups, they work with an inclined plane to calculate the ideal and actual mechanical advantages of the plane. Using their results, they must determine the efficiency of the...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines-Pulleys

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders understand what a pulley is and how it works. In this simple machines, pulley lesson students experiment with broom sticks creating a pulley. Students observe how the pulley moves in its different trials.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Force and Motion Flip Books

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders identify six simple machines in real world examples, distinguish between the three different types of levers and explain Newton's three laws of motion. They create a multimedia presentation over the information they've...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines and Modern Day Engineering Analogies

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students apply the mechanical advantages and problem-solving capabilities of six types of simple machines (wedge, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, screw, pulley) as they discuss modern structures in the spirit of the engineers and...
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Lesson Plan
Kenan Fellows

The Newton Challenge

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
Make Newton proud. Scholars apply their understanding of forces and energy to an engineering design challenge. They learn about simple machines, create a presentation on Newton's laws, and develop a balloon-powered car.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Making Life Easier

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students use a chart of the six simple machines and become aware of how the machines improve our ability to meet the following needs: shelter, food, water, and transportation. Students use model cars to experiment with force. They divide...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machine Invention

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students access the Internet and research simple machines. They locate five different web sites within a simple machines web quest and then create their own simple machine invention using the resources found on the Internet.
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Lesson Planet Article
Curated OER

Leprechaun Traps Using Simple Machines

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Are you looking for a fun way to incorporate St. Patrick's Day into your science curriculum? Try designing and building leprechaun traps!
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Junkyard Wars: Air Movers

For Teachers 6th - 11th
Learners study Rube Goldberg machines.  For this investigative lesson students design and build a machine that uses several steps to move an aluminum can. 
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Unit Plan
Curated OER

Levers and Pulleys and Gears, Oh My!

For Teachers 2nd
Students explore the difference between compound and simple machines in this six lessons of this unit. The purpose and importance of a variety of types of simple machines and the effects of friction are investigated.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rube Goldberg Project

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students apply inquiry and problem solving approaches in science. They design a device (invention) that solves a special problem.
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Worksheet
Curated OER

4-H Line & Design Activity Page

For Students 2nd - 7th
In this 4-H activity activity, students will select their favorite activities and projects from a menu of choices. Then they will work with their 4-H leaders and parents to create a project plan for the year. The activities include...