Lesson plan

Simple machines

Summary
Experiment with levers, wheel and axle, pulleys and inclined planes to understand how force is increased by simple machines
Science content
Physics: Motion and Forces, Newton’s Laws, Gravity (K, 2, 6)
Physics: Simple and complex Machines (5)
Procedure

Do a selection of the activities, with several simple machines, or with a focus on one kind of simple machine.
(Ordered by ones I do most)

Summarize that simple machines transform between a smaller force moving over a greater distance and a larger force moving over a smaller distance. They can make jobs easier.

Several simple machines linked together make a complex (or compound machine).

Grades taught
Gr 1
Gr 2
Gr 3
Gr 4
Gr 5
Gr 6