LUES 3rd GRADE SCIENCE Unit: Simple Machines (3.

2) 2015-16

DAY 1
STANDARD (SOL)
3.2
The student will
investigate and
understand simple machines and
their uses.
STUDENT OBJECTIVE:

MATERIALS:
Interactive Notebook
D1 PowerPoint

Identify and differentiate the six types of simple machines: lever, inclined plane, wedge,
wheel and axle, screw, and pulley.
Analyze the application of and explain the function of each of the six types of simple
machines. An example would be that an inclined plane is a ramp to make it easier for a
heavy object to be moved up and down.
Differentiate and classify specific examples of simple machines found in school and household
items to include screwdriver, nutcracker, screw, bicycle, flagpole, ramp, and seesaw.
Design and construct an apparatus that contains a simple machine.
Identify and classify the simple machines that compose a compound machine, such as
scissors, a wheelbarrow, and bicycle.

Vocabulary
*Simple Machine
*Lever
*Pulley
*Inclined plane

*Compound Machine
*Screw
*Wheel and Axle
*Wedge

*Work
*Force
*Energy

INSTRUCTION

Have students stand at the front of the classroom and push (provide force)
against the board. Allow them to do this for 15 seconds. Ask them if the wall
moved. Allow them to try again for 30 seconds. Again, ask them if the wall
moved. After students return to their seats, ask them if they were doing work
while pushing on the board. Once they say yes, put a pencil on a desk so that
all students can see it. Provide force to the pencil by pushing the pencil off of
the table. Be sure to give the definition of force. Ask the students if they did
more work pushing on the board or if you did more work pushing the pencil.
Discuss the vocabulary word force (push or pull of an object) AND energy
(the ability to do work).
Give students the definition of work (Work occurs when there is a change
in motion). When they were pushing against the wall, nothing moved, so
they werent doing work. When you pushed the pencil, you did work. Push
against the wall and ask if youre doing work (no). Pick up a marker and ask if
youre doing any work (yes). Push down on a desk as hard as you can (no
work). Tell students that work is measured by the amount of motion that
changes. Pushing a chair half way across the room is less work than pushing it
all the way around the room. Pushing the chair all the way is harder than
pushing it half way. There is something that can make pushing the chair
across the room much easier a simple machine.
Tell students that simple machines are tools that make work easier. Jobs that
we use simple machines for include lifting heavy objects, moving objects over
a distance, pushing things apart, changing the direction of a force, or holding
an object together.
Use Simple Machine Power Point to introduce the six simple machines the
students will be investigating for the next 10 days.
Complete interactive notes, Work and Machines.
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LUES 3rd GRADE SCIENCE Unit: Simple Machines (3.2) 2015-16

HOMEWORK: none

DAY 2
STANDARD (SOL)
3.2
The student will
investigate and
understand simple machines and
their uses.

MATERIALS:
Lever Template (1 per group)
Interactive notebook
HW Simple Machine Recording Sheet
*Extra pages 406-407 in science workbook

STUDENT OBJECTIVE: lever

Identify and differentiate the six types of simple machines: lever, inclined plane, wedge,
wheel and axle, screw, and pulley.
Analyze the application of and explain the function of each of the six types of simple
machines. An example would be that an inclined plane is a ramp to make it easier for a
heavy object to be moved up and down.
Differentiate and classify specific examples of simple machines found in school and household
items to include screwdriver, nutcracker, screw, bicycle, flagpole, ramp, and seesaw.
Design and construct an apparatus that contains a simple machine.
Identify and classify the simple machines that compose a compound machine, such as
scissors, a wheelbarrow, and bicycle.

INSTRUCTION
Discuss with the students that each team will do the following for each simple machine:
o Make a model of it.
o As it is built, discuss geometric terms such as faces, vertices, planes, etc.
o Write its name of the simple machine on the model.
o Explain how it makes work easier for people.
o Create a list of examples of the simple machine.
Lever Activity (in groups of 3) (or what works for your class)
a. Cut out the lever pattern.
b. Fold and tape the base (fulcrum).
c. Set a small paper clip on one end of the lever and push the other end down. It should lift
the paper clip up.

E = effort R = resistance F = fulcrum

Examples of levers include: see-saws and car jacks (firstclass), wheelbarrows and
nutcrackers (second class), and shovels and brooms (third class).

A lever has three parts:

o effort, fulcrum, and load or resistance. The fulcrum is the point on which the lever
pivots. This allows the weight to be moved a short distance with a concentrated
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LUES 3rd GRADE SCIENCE Unit: Simple Machines (3.2) 2015-16

amount of force (effort).

Go over notes in interactive notebook

*Extra pages 406-407 in science workbook

HOMEWORK:
Simple machine recording sheet for todays simple machine
DAY 3
STANDARD (SOL)
3.2
The student will
investigate and
understand simple machines and
their uses.

MATERIALS:
Wheel and Axle Template and straw or pencil
(1 per group)
Interactive notebook
HW Simple Machine Recording Sheet
*Extra pages 408-409 in science workbook
STUDENT OBJECTIVE: wheel and axle

Identify and differentiate the six types of simple machines: lever, inclined plane, wedge,
wheel and axle, screw, and pulley.
Analyze the application of and explain the function of each of the six types of simple
machines. An example would be that an inclined plane is a ramp to make it easier for a
heavy object to be moved up and down.
Differentiate and classify specific examples of simple machines found in school and household
items to include screwdriver, nutcracker, screw, bicycle, flagpole, ramp, and seesaw.
Design and construct an apparatus that contains a simple machine.
Identify and classify the simple machines that compose a compound machine, such as
scissors, a wheelbarrow, and bicycle.

INSTRUCTION
Discuss with the students that each team will do the following for each simple
machine:
o Make a model of it.
o As it is built, discuss geometric terms such as faces, vertices, planes, etc.
o Write its name of the simple machine on the model.
o Explain how it makes work easier for people.
o Create a list of examples of the simple machine.
Wheel and Axle Activity
a. Cut out the two circle patterns and punch or poke a hole in the center of each circle. The
hole should be slightly smaller than the diameter of the straw.
b. Insert the straw through both holes.
c. Roll the wheel and axle across the desk. The circles are the wheels and the straw is the
axle. If appropriate, have the students tape the wheels to the axle.

Examples of wheels and axles include tires, doorknobs, and the crank shafts on bicycles,
steering wheels, gears, and egg beaters.

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LUES 3rd GRADE SCIENCE Unit: Simple Machines (3.2) 2015-16

A wheel and axle reduces the amount of friction an object creates during its motion,
because less surfaces are exposed to the stationary object, usually the ground, at any
given time.
Go over notes in interactive notebook

*Extra pages 408-409 in science workbook

HOMEWORK:
Simple machine recording sheet for todays simple machine

DAY 4
STANDARD (SOL)
3.2
The student will
investigate and
understand simple machines and
their uses.

MATERIALS:
Thread
Spool of thread (Fletcher has some in her
room if you need one)
Safari Montage Video: Pulleys
Interactive notebook
HW Simple Machine Recording Sheet
*Extra pages 410-411 in science workbook

STUDENT OBJECTIVE: pulley

Identify and differentiate the six types of simple machines: lever, inclined plane, wedge, wheel and axle, screw, and
pulley.
Analyze the application of and explain the function of each of the six types of simple machines. An example would be
that an inclined plane is a ramp to make it easier for a heavy object to be moved up and down.
Differentiate and classify specific examples of simple machines found in school and household items to include
screwdriver, nutcracker, screw, bicycle, flagpole, ramp, and seesaw.
Design and construct an apparatus that contains a simple machine.
Identify and classify the simple machines that compose a compound machine, such as scissors, a wheelbarrow, and
bicycle.

INSTRUCTION
Review Days 1-3 lessons on work, the wheel & axle, the lever.

Discuss with the students that each team will do the following for each simple
machine:
o Make a model of it.
o As it is built, discuss geometric terms such as faces, vertices, planes, etc.
o Write its name of the simple machine on the model.
o Explain how it makes work easier for people.
o Create a list of examples of the simple machine.
Pulley Activity
a. Cut a one-foot piece of string and thread it through the middle of a round wooden tinker
toy, drapery pulley, thread spool, or bobbin.
b. Tape the two ends of the string on the edge of the desk so that the pulley hangs freely off
the edge of the desk.
c. Thread the remaining piece of string around the top of the pulley so that it fits into the
groove. Have students attach their pencils or other objects to one end of the string and
provide time for students to experience how a pulley works.

Items that contain pulleys include drape draws, elevators,

flagpoles, sails on windsurfers and sailboats, scaffolding for
window washers, engine hoists, and cranes.
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LUES 3rd GRADE SCIENCE Unit: Simple Machines (3.2) 2015-16

Pulleys make work easier by changing the direction of the force applied. With a
pulley, when one pulls down, the object goes up.
Go over notes in interactive notebook

*Extra pages 410-411 in science workbook

HOMEWORK:
Simple machine recording sheet for todays simple machine

DAY 5
STANDARD (SOL)
3.2
The student will
investigate and
understand simple machines and
their uses.

MATERIALS:
Incline Plane template (1 per group)
Interactive notebook
HW Simple Machine Recording Sheet
*Extra pages 418 in science workbook

STUDENT OBJECTIVE: inclined plane

Identify and differentiate the six types of simple machines: lever, inclined plane, wedge,
wheel and axle, screw, and pulley.
Analyze the application of and explain the function of each of the six types of simple
machines. An example would be that an inclined plane is a ramp to make it easier for a
heavy object to be moved up and down.
Differentiate and classify specific examples of simple machines found in school and household
items to include screwdriver, nutcracker, screw, bicycle, flagpole, ramp, and seesaw.
Design and construct an apparatus that contains a simple machine.
Identify and classify the simple machines that compose a compound machine, such as
scissors, a wheelbarrow, and bicycle.

INSTRUCTION
Review simple machines from previous lessons.
Discuss with the students that each team will do the following for each simple
machine:
o Make a model of it.
o As it is built, discuss geometric terms such as faces, vertices, planes, etc.
o Write its name of the simple machine on the model.
o Explain how it makes work easier for people.
o Create a list of examples of the simple
machine.
Inclined Plane Activity
a. Cut out the inclined plane patterns; fold and tape as
shown.
b. Set the inclined plane on the table with one long side
down.
c. Roll a pencil up and down the incline.

Examples of inclined planes include boat ramps, stairs, wheelchair ramps, truck
loading ramps, and driveways, and grain elevators.
An inclined plane spreads the amount of work needed to move an object over a
larger distance so that less force is needed at any particular instant.
Go over notes in interactive notebook,
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LUES 3rd GRADE SCIENCE Unit: Simple Machines (3.2) 2015-16

*Extra pages 418 in science workbook

HOMEWORK:
Simple machine recording sheet for todays simple machine

DAY 6
STANDARD (SOL)
3.2
The student will
investigate and
understand simple machines and
their uses.

MATERIALS:
Screw Template (1 per group)
Interactive notebook
Simple Machine Recording Sheet
Variety of Screws If you do not have any,
google some pictures of some.
*Extra pages 420-421 in science workbook

STUDENT OBJECTIVE: screw

Identify and differentiate the six types of simple machines: lever, inclined plane, wedge,
wheel and axle, screw, and pulley.
Analyze the application of and explain the function of each of the six types of simple
machines. An example would be that an inclined plane is a ramp to make it easier for a
heavy object to be moved up and down.
Differentiate and classify specific examples of simple machines found in school and household
items to include screwdriver, nutcracker, screw, bicycle, flagpole, ramp, and seesaw.
Design and construct an apparatus that contains a simple machine.
Identify and classify the simple machines that compose a compound machine, such as
scissors, a wheelbarrow, and bicycle.

INSTRUCTION
Review simple machines from previous lessons.
Discuss with the students that each team will do the following for each simple
machine:
o Make a model of it.
o As it is built, discuss geometric terms such as faces, vertices, planes, etc.
o Write its name of the simple machine on the model.
o Explain how it makes work easier for people.
o Create a list of examples of the simple machine.
Screw Activity
a. Cut out the triangle.
b. Using the arrows as a guide, roll the paper around a pencil and
then tape in place.

Examples of screws include bolts, wood screws, jar lids, augers, and drill bits.
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LUES 3rd GRADE SCIENCE Unit: Simple Machines (3.2) 2015-16

A screw is an inclined plane rolled up. A screw concentrates the force applied on an
object to a smaller area. It pushes a concentrated amount of force away from you.
Go over notes in interactive notebook

*Extra pages 420-421 in science workbook

HOMEWORK:
Simple machine recording sheet for todays simple machine

DAY 7
STANDARD (SOL)
3.2
The student will
investigate and
understand simple machines and
their uses.

MATERIALS:
Wedge template (1 per group)
Interactive notebook
Simple Machine Recording Sheet
Optional Quiz
*Extra pages 419 in science workbook

STUDENT OBJECTIVE: wedge

Identify and differentiate the six types of simple machines: lever, inclined plane, wedge,
wheel and axle, screw, and pulley.
Analyze the application of and explain the function of each of the six types of simple
machines. An example would be that an inclined plane is a ramp to make it easier for a
heavy object to be moved up and down.
Differentiate and classify specific examples of simple machines found in school and household
items to include screwdriver, nutcracker, screw, bicycle, flagpole, ramp, and seesaw.
Design and construct an apparatus that contains a simple machine.
Identify and classify the simple machines that compose a compound machine, such as
scissors, a wheelbarrow, and bicycle.

INSTRUCTION
Review simple machines from previous lessons.

Discuss with the students that each team will do the following for each simple
machine:
o Make a model of it.
o As it is built, discuss geometric terms such as faces, vertices, planes,
etc.
o Write its name of the simple machine on the
model.
o Explain how it makes work easier for people.
o Create a list of examples of the simple machine.

Wedge Activity
a. Cut out two wedge patterns.
b. Fold and tape them together.

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LUES 3rd GRADE SCIENCE Unit: Simple Machines (3.2) 2015-16

Examples of wedges include axes, wedges, nails, ice picks, knives, plows, discs,
treads on tires, and other objects that split things in two.
A wedge is theoretically two inclined planes attached together. A wedge makes work
easier for people by splitting something perpendicular to the force that is applied.
Wedges are often used in conjunction with levers.
Go over notes in interactive notebook, and review pages in science work book

- There is an optional classwork assignment where students will need to identify the simple
machine by matching it to the correct vocabulary word
*Extra pages 419 in science workbook
HOMEWORK
Simple Machine HW (Wedge and Wheel and Axle Review)

DAY 8
STANDARD (SOL)
3.2
The student will
investigate and
understand simple machines and
their uses.

MATERIALS:
http://www.edheads.org/activities/simplemachines/index.shtml- review game (in the
tool shed- compound machines- in the house
will be used tomorrow)
Compound Machine PowerPoint
Interactive notebooks

STUDENT OBJECTIVE: compound machines

Identify and differentiate the six types of simple machines: lever, inclined plane, wedge,
wheel and axle, screw, and pulley.
Analyze the application of and explain the function of each of the six types of simple
machines. An example would be that an inclined plane is a ramp to make it easier for a
heavy object to be moved up and down.
Differentiate and classify specific examples of simple machines found in school and household
items to include screwdriver, nutcracker, screw, bicycle, flagpole, ramp, and seesaw.
Design and construct an apparatus that contains a simple machine.
Identify and classify the simple machines that compose a compound machine, such as
scissors, a wheelbarrow, and bicycle.

INSTRUCTION
Review six simple machines (wheel & axle, wedge, screw, pulley, lever, inclined
plane). Simple machines are used to make work easier. Work is defined as a change
in motion. Work is measured by the distance an object travels.
Define compound machines. A compound machine is made up of more than one type
of simple machines. Discuss examples of compound machines with students, such as
bicycles, scissors, and pencil sharpeners. Show PowerPoint presentation if necessary
with examples of compound machines.
Complete interactive notebooks on compound machines.
**If you have extra time you could:
- Review compound machines by playing http://www.edheads.org/activities/simplemachines/index.shtml
- Complete the science workbook pages mentioned on previous days.
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LUES 3rd GRADE SCIENCE Unit: Simple Machines (3.2) 2015-16

HOMEWORK: none

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LUES 3rd GRADE SCIENCE Unit: Simple Machines (3.2) 2015-16

DAY 9
STANDARD (SOL)
3.2
The student will
investigate and
understand simple machines and
their uses.

MATERIALS:
Simple Machine Observation Sheet
HW Simple Machine Study Guide

STUDENT OBJECTIVE: Today students will be investigating different machines to see

which one works best for the use of cutting paper.

Identify and differentiate the six types of simple machines: lever, inclined plane, wedge,
wheel and axle, screw, and pulley.
Analyze the application of and explain the function of each of the six types of simple
machines. An example would be that an inclined plane is a ramp to make it easier for a
heavy object to be moved up and down.
Differentiate and classify specific examples of simple machines found in school and household
items to include screwdriver, nutcracker, screw, bicycle, flagpole, ramp, and seesaw.
Design and construct an apparatus that contains a simple machine.
Identify and classify the simple machines that compose a compound machine, such as
scissors, a wheelbarrow, and bicycle.

INSTRUCTION

Today your students will be doing a group experiment

that will help students with the process of their
upcoming PBA.

The goal of this experiment is for students to be able to identify the machine they are
using and record their investigation.
TEACHER PREPERATION:
You will need to have already prepared groups, 4-5 groups would be fine. You will also
need to have 4-5 investigating areas in your room.
These stations are in no particular order:
STATION #
Investigation Station 1
Investigation Station 2
Investigation Station 3
Investigation Station
4
Investigation Station 5

MATERIALS
Paper, Screwdriver
Paper, Scissors
Paper, Plastic Fork
Paper, Pen
Paper, ??? (your
choice)

The paper is
required
material.
However, all
other
materials are
not. Feel free
to make up
your own.

STUDENTS:
Students will be going to each station, with their group, completing their observation
sheet. Each investigation at each station will be considered a trial
Students are responsible for writing in the machine (lever, wedge, ect.), checking yes
or no if the machine worked or not, and also making notes on their observation.
(Example note/observation: The pen did not cut the paper. if it had a sharper point it
would have work.) your students may need some guidance on this part.
When all students are finished, discuss the observations as a whole class. You could
record each groups findings on the board by making a chart.
HOMEWORK: Study for simple machine test / complete study guide

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LUES 3rd GRADE SCIENCE Unit: Simple Machines (3.2) 2015-16

DAY 10
STANDARD (SOL)
3.2
The student will
investigate and
understand simple machines and
their uses.

MATERIALS:
Simple Machines Test

STUDENT OBJECTIVE: I will identify simple and compound machines.

INSTRUCTION
Give simple machines test.
ASSESSMENT: Simple machines test.
GRADED
HOMEWORK: None

NOT GRADED

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