Teach Engineering
Strong-Arm Tactics
Experience collecting rock samples using a robotic arm with an activity that has pairs work together to operate a robotic arm. One pupil serves as the eyes and the other operates the controller. The objective is to be the fastest pair to...
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Cast Your Vote
In a simple but unique lesson, youngsters learn about the history of voting systems. They then collaborate in groups to develop a new honest and consistent voting method. A class-wide poll is taken, evaluating the designs of other...
Jefferson Lab
The Shape of Things
Here is an interesting science lesson plan/activity which has learners working in groups in order to simulate experiments done at the Jefferson Science Lab. In this one, groups use a pie tin, a Hula Hoops, a marble, and a magic marker to...
Curated OER
Friction and Machines
Fifth graders experimentally determine the relationship of friction to the functioning of machines. They demonstrate that rollers can decrease frictional force and increase speed and research to discover other ways that friction can be...
Curated OER
We Have Work To Do - Science
Young scholars begin to think of ways to make work easier. They will focus on ways to extend their abilities to lift heavy things. They will identify levers, pulleys, and inclined planes through the examination of concrete objects and...
Curated OER
Mental Math
Young scholars participate in an online computation game. In this computation lesson, students practice simple computations and use an internet site to review addition and subtraction facts.
Curated OER
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...
Curated OER
Learn about Torque
Students calculate torque and determine its uses. In this instructional activity on torque, students watch a video and teacher demonstrations and work with a small group on a lab activity. Students provide example of how torque is used...
Curated OER
Changes in Force, Motion, and Energy
Eighth graders construct various machines and compare the work done by them.
Curated OER
Farming in Ancient Mesopotamia: An Ancient Civil Engineering Problem
Sixth graders identify the major obstacles in farming in Mesopotamia. They work together to design and build a model that solves these problems. They write a short essay that describes the problems and their possible solutions.
Curated OER
Systems, UP, Up and Away!
Students discuss rockets and how they work. Students research basic information about the Space Shuttle. Students work in collaborative groups creating "rockets" with empty film canisters. Students launch their "rockets" and record...
Curated OER
Windmills: Putting Wind Energy to Work
Students review engineering design process and discuss how wind can be used to help get work done. They look at a variety of windmills, focusing on different materials used in construction of windmills.
Curated OER
Benham's Disk
Seeing is believing! Or is it? With this simple experiment, young scientists can explore the concept of visual perception. Attach Benham's disk to a rotating appliance such as a hand drill; As it spins, the black lines appear to be...
Curated OER
Performance of routine movements
High schoolers explore movement in dance routines. They observe movements and transform everyday gestures into choregraphy. Through activities, students develop improvisational skills. They evaluate and critique work.
Curated OER
Washing Clothes: Beginning ESL Lesson
Your English learners will be the champions of the laundry room with this presentation about washing clothes. Phrases such as "fold the laundry" and "hang up the clothes," as well as vocabulary like laundromat and washing machine will...
Curated OER
Toy Tally One
Fifth graders explore simple machines. They examine toys and discover toys that are actually simple machines. Students share information, with the class, about their selected toy and how it works.
Curated OER
Third Grade Writing Lesson #2/Science Project
Third graders invent a gadget using one or more simple machines. They write a detailed description of that gadget.
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
Building the Pyramids: No Light Task
Eighth graders perform experiments with simple machines and write up the results. They research the construction of the step pyramid and the three pyramids at Giza. Students research how the ancient Egyptians used simple machines in...
Curated OER
Toys in Space
Learnersexplore how gravity affects the operation of toys and simple machines. They watch a video and experiment with simple machines.
Curated OER
Naturral Born Robots: Robots Have Feelings Too
Young scholars explore robotics. They design a simple device that simulates a human arm lifting a mass. Students test the strength of their arm. Young scholars discuss artificial intelligence.
Curated OER
Alexander Calder: Master of Balance
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.
Curated OER
Medieval Catapults
Students design and build a working catapult or trebuchet to explore the concepts of force, motion, and distance.
Curated OER
Catapults
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.