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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines

For Teachers 8th - 9th
Young scholars investigate simple machines. In this simple machines lesson, students construct two simple machines and describe what they do. Young scholars show that simple changes help machines do work with less effort. Students use a...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Brown Paper Bag Simple Machine

For Teachers K - 2nd
Learners explore simple machines.  In this simple machines science lesson, students work with a partner to identify what kind of simple machine is represented by a variety of household objects placed in paper bags.  Learners write down...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

You are Uniquely You

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students compare and contrast simple machines and their functions. In this cross-curriculum science simple machines activity, students observe examples and read about simple machines, then use body movement to demonstrate how machines...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders create a Power Point presentation to relate to their study of simple machines. They create a title page, a page introducing six simple machines, slides explaining real world use to each simple machine and import pictures...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Junior Solar Sprint Series: Gears and Drive Belts

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Activate middle schoolers' minds with this physical science activity. Learners vary the diameter of gears and the number of teeth on them to find how energy output is affected. This writeup features well-developed background information...
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Activity
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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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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
Curated OER

Simple Machines

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Learners create a pyramid design based on the 6 simple machines that they are introduced to. In this simple machines lesson plan, students are introduced to the wedge, wheel and axle, inclined plane, screw, and pulley.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines in the Home

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students explore simple machines used in the home. In this simple machines lesson, students discover that many household items are constructed from simple machines. Students interact with nutcrackers, peelers, egg slicers, and egg beaters.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Simple Machines Activity

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders observe examples of simple machines found in the school, playground, and work environment. In this simple machines lesson, 4th graders review simple machines by viewing three web sites. Students tour the school and grounds...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

TE Activity: Racing with the Sun - Creating a Solar Car

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students use a purchased kit to build a solar powered car. They connect a solar photovoltaic panel to a motor which runs the car forward and backward. They determine how to wire the car to move in both directions.
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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
NOAA

Oceans of Energy

For Teachers 7th - 8th Standards
Are the earth's oceans really just giant batteries, waiting for their energy to be harnessed? Middle school mechanical engineers will be shocked by the amazing amount of energy that forms around them after diving into part four of a...
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Activity
DiscoverE

Build a Better Boomerang

For Teachers 6th - 12th
This isn't the boomerang you're used to. Scholars first see how a commercial boomerang works. They then cut out a four-wing boomerang and test its flight to compare it to that of the commercial boomerang.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students discover that simple machines reduce the effort required in a task.  For this simple machines lesson students see demonstrations of simple machines. 
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Lesson Plan
Teach Engineering

Racing With the Sun - Creating a Solar Car

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Here's an exciting and innovative lesson that's sure to get your charges fired up! In it, they use engineering design principles to construct and test a fully solar powered car. One caveat: the kits that each group needs to make their...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

An Introduction to Simple Machines

For Teachers K - 1st
Students investigate simple machines and their uses in everyday life.  In this scientific method lesson, students examine physical tools such as wedges, screws, and levers using a "how does it work" approach.  Students complete...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Supersonic Spies

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Students analyze a simple machine and use "reverse engineering" to create an exact replica. They interpret incomplete information to build a simple wheel-and-axle machine. Students discuss how building a machine activity correlates to...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines make work easier.

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars examine how simple machine work can make work easier.  In this machines lesson students complete an activity that shows them what makes up a machine, and how to measure displacement and velocity. 
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ring Around the Rosie

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Learners work together to discover the concept of angular momentum. They participate in experiments in which they test rotation and relate it to an object's mass. They participate in a literacy activity in which they compare mythology...
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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
Museum of Science

Gadget Anatomy: Understanding Machines

For Teachers 4th - 8th
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.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Introduction to Lego Engineering

For Teachers 1st - 4th
Students examine engineering by utilyzing legos.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Away You Go

For Teachers K - 5th
Students build Lego cars which have two different types of tire surfaces. They roll them down ramps that have both rough and smooth surfaces to determine how friction affects the car as it rolls.