Students will learn a song about the seven simple machines. Students will collaborate to use three simple machines to create their own inventions. They will perform and demonstrate what their inventions will look like using body movements. Students will then have time to reflect on their inventions, how they can be used, and illustrate them on paper.

The student will investigate and understand simple machines and their uses. Students are learning the purpose, function and environmental examples of simple machines in their daily lives. These comprehension “mix-ups” are a great way to monitor students’ understanding of the content along with checking reading comprehension.

Video Description:  Simple machines are all around us and help make our work easier. When simple machines are combined, a compound machine is created. Learn about NASA's compound machine, the lunar crane, and the simple machines it contains to make work easier in Our World.  Video length:  4:17.NASA eClipsTM is a suite of online student-centered, standards-based resources that support instruction by increasing STEM literacy in formal and nonformal settings.  These free digital and downloadable resources inform and engage students through NASA-inspired, real-world connections.NASA eClips Our World videos (grades 3-5) help students understand the differences between science (the natural world) and engineering (the designed world).  These video segments supplement elementary learning objectives not only in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, but also in reading, writing, visual and performing arts.

Have students present their simple machines through video instead of in person and teach the students about computer technology’s ability to communicate information through computers.

Technology has changed drastically - from smartphones to virtual reality. In this lesson, you will review the main types of Simple Machines.  Through class discussions, your students will compare how both technology and simple machines have changed and are used differently than they were in the past.   Your students will then explore and build examples of modern-day machinery. 

Science Instructional Plans (SIPs) help teachers align instruction with the Science Standards of Learning (SOL) by providing examples of how the content and the scientific and engineering practices found in the SOL and curriculum framework can be presented to students in the classroom.

Students work in small groups to analyze compound machines in order to find simple machines which make them up.