Simple Machines (Lesson Plan)

This lesson deals with simple machines – in particular – the lever.  Here students have to construct a model and problem solve.  This lesson is purposeful in having the students control variables (counters).  They have to watch and see what happens when they put a counter on one end of their hand-constructed seesaw.

Title – Simple Machines

By – Debbie Haren
Subject – Math, Science, Art, Language Arts
Grade Level – 3-4

Question:

Can anyone tell me what a lever is and what it is used for?

Task1:

I will pass out a paper towel roll to each of you I want you to cut it in half, length wise. To make a stable place to balance items on.

Task 2:

On top of the paper towel holder I want you to put a ruler. What do you think we might be building? Does it remind you of seesaw? Place the paper tube flat side down
Balance a ruler across the tube. Put a counter on one end. Have students chart in their journal what happens. Put a counter on the other end and then see what happens. Some things to use as counters are small bear counters, dice, marbles or chain.

Discussion:

What happened when you put a counter on one end of the seesaw?
What happened when you put a counter on each end?
Where is the turning point of the seesaw?

Task 3:

The next challenge is to have students balance 2 counters on one side of the lever and one counter on the other. What do they have to do to the ruler to make it work? (move the ruler)

Vocabulary:

Observe, experiment, data chart