[Becca]

Does anyone have some easy experiements that demonstrate the different types of simple machines?

[benteach]

Simple Machines was awesome to use with my class then they made their own simple machine book.....one page for each of the six. My class is quite artistic and I was able to keep three of the books for future display ----the books were also displayed in the front office.
For experiments I used the book Pictture Perfect Science with the book
Sheep in the Jeep.......we experimented with legos etc. to also try to model the drawings that the students came up with .....to learn more about force...friction....ertia....etc.

[kristen_teach]

It's not an experiment but this is a fun website: http://www.edheads.org/activities/simple-machines/.

And here are some experiments (I have not tried any of them): http://www.galaxy.net/%7Ek12/machines/index.shtml

[Mrs. O]

Find a thick board (2 x 6 I think) you will also need a block of wood to balance the board. Challenge the children to find a way to lift you in the air using only the board and pivet. (They will have to move the board off center and stand you on the short end.)

I asked an auto salvage to donate a part of a transmission for the kids to take apart and see the gears.

We are starting our Simple Machines unit in January. I am challenging the kids to create an invention and identify the simple machines used to make them. Last year I had one of my girls create a double toothbrush to save time brushing the tops and bottoms of her teeth. I also had a toy crusher and a kool-aide mixing robot. We displayed them at the Science Fair.

I love the edheads site too. The kids have a lot of fun with the game.

[benteach]

we have to submit a class project for the science fair so I plan on checking out the edheads site!

[Mrs. Bee]

Our third grade uses lego kits and the kids have to put them together and demostrate they work as part of their grades. They got these kits from grant money.

[3Teach]

Here are a few more websites for you:

http://www.cleversmith.com/VLabs/lever_balance.html

http://outreach.rice.edu/~dgabby/science/simp_mach/

http://www.jsd.k12.ak.us/ab/el/simplemachines.html

http://www.scidaho.org/docs/Extensio...iltBalance.doc

http://www.scidaho.org/docs/Extensio...leMachines.doc

Hope these are helpful!

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[Jennifer in OK]

Some of the things I do with this unit:

Tug of War (pulleys)

Milk Carton Cars (have kids save and more importantly rinse out milk cartons - cut them in half - decorate - get pipe cleaners and wooden wheels - have a race) - this demonstrates wheel and axle, inclined plane, wedge

Have students make a list of simple machines in their house. If this is tested by state or district, they often have to know examples in everyday routines.