Planning a unit on simple machines? Save some time and energy with this collection of lessons and activities that explores how these devices are used in the real world to make life a little easier. 

Here is a nifty worksheet on energy transfer. Physics fanatics analyze a diagram and state whether or not friction is involved. They sketch bar graphs and draw energy flow diagrams for each system as well. Circular motion, movement up...

Teach young engineers that all machines, no matter how complicated or complex, are made up of just six simple devices with this hands-on physical science lesson. Using the included templates, students first create paper models of...

For this activity, you'll need each child to have two wooden blocks, one fat wedge, one skinny wedge, and a ruler. After setting the two wooden blocks side-by-side, they use the different wedges to push the blocks apart, recording the...

In this museum student guide worksheet, students make a mini-book about simple machines to be used during a visit to the Museum of Science and Industry. They locate the exhibits that demonstrate the wedge, inclined plane, screw, lever,...

Students determine the forces necessary to move a truck on an inclined plane with weight and slope as variables. They identify the cheapest way to transport trash to local garbage disposal sites.

Students role-play as engineers designing wedge tools. They devise methods for shaping quarry rocks into pyramid blocks. Following a teacher demonstration, they use materials such as soap, clay, and foam for blocks and wood, plastic,...

In this physics worksheet, students use the clues given on the sheet to complete the crossword puzzle on simple machines. There are 18 clues to solve in the puzzle.

In this scientific investigation worksheet, learners follow the provided procedures to create an inclined plane paper model and then respond to 1 short answer question.

In this inclined planes worksheet, students find machines at home that screw and record the object and the direction of the screw. Students find 5 machines.

In this science investigation worksheet, students follow the directions to perform an experiment with inclined planes. Students record their data on a chart and answer 2 essay questions.

In this machines worksheet, students draw a "Rube Goldberg" style machine which uses 3 different types of simple machines to complete one task.

Students examine the movement of a car on an inclined plane and on a flat surface. Using the amount of drops the car releases, they determine if it was traveling at a constant speed or not. They graph the velocity and acceleration rates...

Students design, build, and test their own ramps. They are introduced to a variety of materials and explore putting them together. Students engage in an inquiry-based learning experience to reinforce math, science, and technology...

Third graders study and define force. They determine that the cause of movement is pushing or pulling which are the types of force used when operating simple machines. They experiment to determine which object requires the most amount of...

Learners role several balls of different weights down a ramp and into a paper cup and record how far each ball made the paper cup move. They then answer questions that help them analyze their results and reinforce the idea that energy...

In this activity, students will perform a series of experiments with inclined planes. They will learn that as the angle of inclination of the inclined plane approaches 90 degrees, the value of the acceleration of the cart traveling down...

Explore sports science and build a ramp that will roll a ball right to the target.

This lesson introduces the concept of the inclined plane. It is 2 of 2 in the series titled "Inclined Planes."