Summary Experiment with levers, wheel and axle, pulleys and inclined planes to understand how force is increased by simple machines Science content Physics: Motion and Forces, Newton’s Laws, Gravity (K, 2, 6) Physics: Simple and complex Machines (5) Activities in this lesson Lever projecting a ball Lever for lifting (heavy) things Levers: measuring forces Household levers Wheel and forces Simple machines on a bike Pulleys to pull each other together Pulleys to lift a person or heavy load Inclined planes Procedure Do a selection of the activities, with several simple machines, or with a focus on one kind of simple machine. Summarize that simple machines transform between a smaller force moving over a greater distance and a larger force moving over a smaller distance. They can make jobs easier. Several simple machines linked together make a complex (or compound machine). Notes Gordon Elementary did: Lever balancing and projecting all together, then See Saw, Levers in everyday use, and Pulleys to pull someone up as three stations to rotate through. Carnarvon: 1.5hr lesson with Lever experimentation, See Saw as group, Levers in everyday use, Wheel and forces, Simple machines on a bike (outdoors at bike rack) and Pulleys to pull someone up as two stations, ending with Pulleys to pull each other together as a large group. Nellie at Tyee did Wheel and forces, inclined planes, then simple machines (and friction and sturdy triangles) on a bike. This followed lessons dedicated to levers and pulleys. Grades taught Gr 1 Gr 2 Gr 3 Gr 4 Gr 5 Gr 6
