Projects for Simple Machines

Projects for Simple Machines

You know me… I love science. And science loves me. That’s what’s cool about it. I always learn something new, usually about how things work. And that’s pretty awesome because I’m no spring chicken and you’d think I’d know more about stuff like that by now, but I don’t.

Now, everywhere I look, I can’t help but see simple machines. Like in my bathroom this morning, I noticed levers everywhere… my faucets, the flat iron, the toilet handle, and my tweezers. And every time I learn something new, I drive everyone in my family insane with constant random facts about it.

I’m probably a really annoying person to know. 😂

FUN PROJECTS FOR SIMPLE MACHINES

I just finished putting together a science set about simple machines. I have to admit, I had never built a pulley before. Or engineered a catapult (a tough task for this spatially-challenged girl). I even created a screw out of aquarium tubing that allowed water to flow to the top of a Pringles potato chip can … the top! I know. Mind blown.

I love when things work out.

And on the topic of working out, the key component for this pulley👇 was inspired by a recent chore when I was helping my mom clean out her sewing room. I wasn’t planning on using a bobbin in the design, but it worked out way better than my original plan, which is a great reminder about the trial and error nature of engineering and science … all the time asking:

• “What worked well? What didn’t?”
• “How can this be improved?”
• “Could we try something else?”
• “Which produced the best results?”

If you’re planning lessons and projects for simple machines, check out these resources. They’re best for kids in grades 2-3, but could be adapted for most elementary-aged children. It includes several supplemental resources such as:

• teaching posters for the definition and purpose of each machine
• hands-on science labs and engineering projects
• recording sheets and cloze-style notes for each investigation
• a 12-page informational text explaining the history of simple machines
• comprehension work
• science worksheets for processing new ideas
• science anchor charts with step-by-step directions and colorful photos

PREVIEW PROJECTS FOR SIMPLE MACHINES

What I like about these posters is that they not only provide an introduction to each simple machine, but they give real-world examples of each one. Once kids learn this, they (like me) will be finding simple machines EVERYWHERE! Brace yourself.

Chance are, if you tell me how to do something I might get it right, but I also might not. I’m one of those people who need to see it to understand it and I think many kids are like me. If I anticipate something is going to be tricky, I take photos of the process so kids have something visual to refer to if they get confused.

In this resource, I’ve included helpful photos for the pulley, the screw, and the catapult. A picture really can be worth a thousand words, which I’ve noticed many times using cookbooks.

There are also recording sheets for each lab with ample space for kids to record their notes. The materials and directions are listed and each is followed by a lab summary designed as a reading passage with relevant science vocabulary. These lab summaries are a great way to integrate reading, phonics, and vocabulary into your science instruction.

SAMPLE RECORDING SHEETS AND LAB SUMMARY

TAKE IT TO THE PLAYGROUND

Once your students are familiar with the simple machines, take your teaching outside! Depending on the design of your local or school playground, you can plan a fun SIMPLE MACHINES RELAY RACE for your kids. This can be easy to set up … just be creative and think about what your playground equipment has to offer in terms of simple machines. For example, imagine it going something like this:

1. Divide your class into teams of 6-8. Give each team one ball of clay about the size of a lime.
2. One team goes at a time. Place a child at each station on the playground and start a timer.
3. The first student uses a see-saw (LEVER) to launch the ball of clay to the next student.
4. That student places the ball in a bucket that is tied to a rope and hanging over a high bar on the playground (PULLEY).
5. The bucket is hoisted up by the next child sitting on a nearby bridge or platform. They take the clay ball out and hand it to the next child who cuts it in half using a plastic knife (WEDGE).
6. They send one half down a straight slide (INCLINED PLANE) and the other half down a corkscrew slide (SCREW) where two other children are waiting to catch them.
7. The dough halves are placed in a wagon (WHEELS & AXLES) where the last child delivers them back to the starting spot.
8. Stop the timer and record that team’s total time. Can the next team beat that time? Or do multiple trials to see if a team can beat their own time!

This will definitely be one of their favorite projects for simple machines, especially if you enlist their help in the course design and race details.

LOOKING FOR MORE IDEAS?

If you’re in need of new or more ideas, I have a SIMPLE MACHINES PINTEREST BOARD where I’ve collected loads of activities for this unit. Check out the Lego zip line, the robotic arm, and the homemade foosball table. Kids will go nuts for those projects! There are also great videos for children that can be used to enhance your instruction.

And if you’re interested in the resource above, you can see it in greater detail here: 👉SIMPLE MACHINES: INVESTIGATING WORK, FORCE, AND MOTION. ⭐️2021 Update: If you already own this resource, I recently revised it. You can download the new PDF for free by visiting your purchase history on TPT.

Happy teaching!

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