Grades 3-5
27 activities—186 pages

Simple machines provide an engaging real-world context for looking at force and motion. While it may appear machines make work easier, students will discover a machine is a device that merely trades force for distance or distance for force and that the work remains the same.

Students will be amazed as they lift their teacher off the ground using a simple lever machine made from a board and block of wood in “Lightening with Levers.” A jug filled with water, a rope, and a broomstick will demonstrate the advantages of using a pulley in “Pulley Pull-Ups.”

Students will make and use the following simple machines in a series of creative explorations:

• Levers
• Wheels and axles
• Pulleys
• Inclined Planes
• Wedges
• Screws

In their study of these six simple machines, students will make observations as to the amount of force needed to move objects, the distances the objects move, and/or the change in direction of the forces.

A section of the book looks at compound machines—those devices made of more than one simple machine.
Many concepts in Simple Machines are reinforced through rubber band books—small, easily assembled student books that present information in a kid-friendly way. Children can keep and refer to these later as well as take them home to discuss and share with their parents.

Teachers will appreciate the readily available materials and clear instructions used for the investigations.