Engineering: Simple Machines

"Simple machines are devices with few or no moving parts that make work easier. Students are introduced to the six types of simple machines — the wedge, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, screw, and pulley — in the context of the construction of a pyramid, gaining high-level insights into tools that have been used since ancient times and are still in use today. In two hands-on activities, students begin their own pyramid design by performing materials calculations, and evaluating and selecting a construction site. The six simple machines are examined in more depth in subsequent lessons in this unit." Perfectly aligned with GLE. Includes lesson plans, teacher background content, handouts, a PowerPoint presentation, assessments and answers. Extension activities and ideas included.

Weblink address (URL): 
Engineering: Simple Machines

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

After this lesson, students should be able to:

  • Understand what a simple machine is and how it would help an engineer to build something.
  • Identify six types of simple machines.
  • Understand how the same physical principles used by engineers today to build skyscrapers were employed in ancient times by engineers to build pyramids.
  • Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to creating a simple lever machine based on how well each met the constraints of the challenge.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Applying
Extension suggestions: 
  • Use the attached Simple Machines Scavenger Hunt! Worksheet to conduct a fun scavenger hunt. Have the students find examples of all the simple machines used in the classroom and their homes.
  • Bring in everyday examples of simple machines and demonstrate how they work.
  • Illustrate the power of simple machines by asking students to do a task without using a simple machine, and then with one. For example, create a lever demonstration by hammering a nail into a piece of wood. Have students try to pull the nail out, first using only their hands
  • Bring in a variety of everyday examples of simple machines. Hand out one out to each student and have them think about what type of simple machine it is. Next, have students place the items into categories by simple machines and explain why they chose to place their item there. Ask students what life would be like without this item. Emphasize that simple machines make our life easier.
  • See the Edheads website for an interactive game on simple machines: http://edheads.org.
  • Engineering Design Fun with Levers: Give each pair of students a paint stirrer, 3 small plastic cups, a piece of duct tape and a wooden block or spool (or anything similar). Challenge the students to design a simple machine lever that will throw a ping pong ball (or any other type of small ball) as high as possible. In the re-design phase, allow the students to request materials to add on to their design. Have a small competition to see which group was able to send the ping pong ball flying high. Discuss with the class why that particular design was successful versus other variations seen during the competition.

References

Contributors: 
Lindsay Talarico
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation