New Creations from Six Simple Machines

• PRINT
• EMAIL

Students explore simple machines and their importance in the development of modern technology. Students demonstrate an understanding of the principles of simple machines through Internet research, apply knowledge to complete a model, and brainstorm applications for simple machines in a new invention.

OBJECTIVE
Students will:

1. Observe and identify the types of simple machines.
2. Conduct research and gather data to increase knowledge of simple machines.
3. Apply knowledge and organize data to complete a graphic organizer and focus questions.
4. Identify and understand the terms: force, effort, work.
5. Communicate data and observations to a partner.
6. Demonstrate knowledge by designing and constructing a model of an obstacle course, utilizing simple machines.
7. Develop expository writing to sequentially describe the use of the model.
8. Present creative and written work in an oral presentation.
9. Brainstorm ideas for a new product using simple machines.
10. Communicate a finished project through an oral, written, and graphic presentation.

LESSONS FOR THIS UNIT
Lesson 1: Internet Field Trip: Simple Machines
Lesson 2: Simple Machines, Survivor-Style
Lesson 3: It's a Whatchamacallit

REPRODUCIBLES
Internet Field Trip Worksheet
Obstacle Course Planner (PDF)
Invention Project Brainstorming (PDF)

CULMINATING ACTIVITY

Host a "Young Inventors" Day. Students could create presentations on various young inventors who were responsible for many products important today. Students could dress the part of famous inventors, and perform "Who Am I" skits. Inventions made by the class could be displayed and presented to parents, other students, and faculty.

SUPPORTING BOOKS

Books for Teaching Simple Machines and the Inventions They Created

Women in History: Research for Expository Writing
Describes an innovative unit plan for studying Amelia Earhart and practicing the step-by-step expository writing process. Students prepare by...

Welcome to Success
Presents a series of lessons in literature that center on identifying the character traits that lead to student success.

Creating a PowerPoint Presentation!
Students perform Internet and print research to compile a report that they will present using PowerPointT multimedia presentation software.

ARTICLE	Books for Teaching Simple Machines and the Inventions They Created These resources will add excitement to the classroom library while reinforcing knowledge of simple machines and their purposes.
LESSON PLAN	Simple Machines, Survivor-Style Students apply the principles of simple machines to create events in a wacky obstacle course, similar to those seen on popular television shows,...
ONLINE ACTIVITY	100 Years of Flight On December 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright made the world's first sustained, powered-aircraft flight. But it wasnt the first time humans...