"Understanding Simple Machines" Learn about six types of simple machines: the inclined plane, the wedge, the screw, the pulley, the lever, and the wheel and axle.
Simple Machines The Ithaca City School District has a nice site about simple machines for grades 3+. Click on any of the pictures of the simple machines to learn more about them.
MIKids Simple Machines Page Waukazoo Elementary School in Holland, Michigan offers brief explanations of all the simple machines and has a great collection of photos demonstrating objects that represent each type.
Simple Machines from "inQuiry Almanack" by Franklin Institute "Simple machines make work easier. Our Spotlight on Simple Machines just may make teaching easier. Share your ideas for compound machines--two or more simple machines working together--in the compound machine gallery."
Gander Academy Theme Units - Simple Machines A nice collection of resources from Jim Cornish, Grade Five Teacher, Gander Academy, Gander, Newfoundland, Canada.
Simple Machines Another terrific collection of internet resources compiled by The Educational Technology Training Center at Kennesaw State University .
Work Is Simple With Simple Machines A "Rhode Island Teacher Projects Integrating Technology Into Math and Science Curriculum SMART96" Project investigating simple machines and their usefulness in everyday life.
The
Elements of Machines: Simple Machines From the Inventor's Toolbox
section
of the "Leonardo's Workshop" website: "These devices were all in common
use for centuries before Leonardo's time. Each one makes work easier to
do by providing some trade-off between the force applied and the
distance
over which the force is applied."
Online Lesson Plans
and Activities
SMART96: Simple Machines "Simple Machines Make the World Go Round" - Students will use the Internet to locate information on various simple machines. They will be given various activities in all curriculum areas. Upon successful completion and assessment, students will be able to use the Internet and have knowledge of simple machines.
Dirtmeister:
Simple Machines From Scholastic Online. What are simple machines
and
where can you find them? Simple machines help you move things more
easily,
and you can find them everywhere!
Science World Online Activities Use your knowledge of simple machines by trying out five different online activities: Hippovator, Free Throw, Wind Power, Laser Beam and Mystery Sound.
EdHeads
Simple Machines Activities Learn and review what you know about
simple
and compound machines while you explore the House and Tool Shed!
Find out how simple machines are all around us in everyday objects, and
how simple machines can be combined to form a compound machine.
Amusement
Park Physics: Design a Roller Coaster Design a roller coaster by
selecting the height, shape and exit path of the first hill, the height
of the second hill, and the size of the loop. A truly successful
roller coaster will have thumbs up for both safety and fun. Check
out your safety inspection to make your roller coaster more successful.
Funderstanding
Roller Coaster It is your mission to design a roller coaster with
maximum thrills that stays on the coaster track! You must decide
on a number of factors, including the heights of the hills, the size of
the loop, the intial speed of the coaster, its mass, the amount of
gravity at work and the amount of friction on the track.