5 Great Simple Machines Sites
Grades: 1-3
Summary: This site gives a short summary of each of the six simple machines, the lever, wheel and axle, inclined plane, wedge, pulley and screw. Each machine includes an example and a video of real students using these simple machines in their daily lives.
How to integrate: Shared, Independent
This site is great as a introduction or a recap to the unit. Students can also use it for review at home as well.
Grades: 2-3
Summary: What better way to apply your simple machine knowledge than to help a robot! Twitch is a robot that works in the museum. He needs to find parts around the museum to help fix a broken friend. Students needs to complete 4 stages and find the missing parts, but to get each part they must use a simple machine to help.
How to integrate: Independent
This site is so fun and engaging that students won't even know they are "learning". Unfortunately it won't be too effective on the Smartboard due to the need to use the arrow keys for moving Twitch.
Grades: 1-3
Summary: Edheads is a great site to show students where we use simple machines in our everyday lives. There are two sections, the house - simple machines, and the tool shed - compound machines. There are four rooms in each section where students must identify the machine and then cite what the machine is.
How to to integrate: Shared, Independent
A classic site that should be used for anyone teaching simple machines. It is also a great site to use on the SmartBoard or any interactive board due to it's "click" feature. Also great for reviewing and checking for understanding.
Grades: 3-5
Summary: Spotting simple and compound machines in our daily life. Students must find the simple machine and then identify what it is.
How to integrate: Shared, Independent
Another great site however it may be a little difficult to navigate and spot the machines. It will take a lot of guidance if you intend to use it in the classroom.
Grades: 2-3
Summary: Help Engineering Savi find the gears, levers and wheels at the carnival by solving puzzles. There are four puzzles in all.
How to integrate: Independent
Although the puzzle itself does not relate to the concept of simple machines, it helps students spot the hidden simple machines.
