Work smarter, not harder
 
 

     To give the students valuable hands-on experience, it is suggested that one lesson period of 40-60 minutes  be devoted to students handling of different types of common simple machines.  These might be grouped at 4 tables, one for each type of machine.  If parent volunteers can manage the flow of activities at each station, that would be very helpful.
 

Inclined Plane

        Have two stations set up of the size described in the main  lesson and have various sized loads and a spring scale to measure the force exerted both by lifting and sliding  the load up the inclined plane.
 
 

Lever

          Set up the type of lever discussed in the lesson with the fulcrum and various sized loads so that students can experiment with the palcement of the fulcrum and how it affects the ease of moving the load.  Also have on hand various tools that are levers: can opener, broom, baseball bat, nutcracker, claw hammer and pry bar.  Direct the exploration by asking, Where are the fulcrum and load in these tools?
 

Wheels and Axles

          Provide as many wheels and axles and gears as you can find for students to operate and observe: pizza cutter, door knob set, roller skate, eggbeater, toy shopping cart, toy car, spinner from Twister or other board game.  As the students are working ask, Where are the wheels and axles on these tools?  Do any have gears?
 

Pulleys

           Have two stations set up:  one with a fixed pulley and load and one with a moveable pulley.  Loads of various weights and a spring scale to measure the force used is helpful.  Guide the activity with questions such as: In what direction does the pulley change the force being exerted?  Which pulley reduces the amount of force necessary to move the load?
 

           At the end of the activity discuss with students what they did, what they learned, how the activity went for them and any suggestions they might have for improving the activity.