At a Glance:
| Grades: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Science |
| Topic: | Simple Machines |
| Lesson Length: | 30 - 45 minutes |
Standards / Framework:
What will students learn in this activity?
Students will demonstrate an understanding of simple machines and how they are used to make work easier.
What should students know before this activity?
Students should be familiar with the following vocabulary: lever, inclined plane, screw, wedge, wheel and axle, and pulley.
How can teachers introduce this lesson?
- Demonstrate a task without using a simple machine and then perform the same task with a simple machine. For example, you might ask students to remove a nail from a piece of wood with their hands, and then to try again with the aid of a hammer/lever.
What will students do?
- Explain that simple machines are basic mechanical devices that change the direction or magnitude of a force, allowing us to do more work with less effort.
- Have students create a six-panel comic showing examples of simple machines in use (e.g., seesaw/lever, bicycle/wheel and axle) and explain how they make work easier.
How can teachers wrap up the lesson?
- Have students share their comics with the whole class or in small groups.
- Remind students that simple machines are all around us. Ask them to see how many simple machines they can find in their homes.
How can teachers differentiate this activity?
- Allow students to use the speech-to-text feature.
- Allow students to use the voiceover feature to read their comics aloud.
- Provide a simple machines reference sheet.
Amusement Park
Castle
Ancient Egypt
Airport
Suggested Story Starters:
