Simple Machines

In this lesson, students will assemble an inclined plane and learn how it's used to multiply force. Then, students will work as a team to design and engineer a custom inclined plane to solve a challenge.

In this lesson, students will assemble a wedge and learn how to calculate its mechanical advantage. Then, students will develop a custom design that includes a wedge.

In this lesson, students will assemble three different types of levers and learn how to calculate the mechanical advantage of each. Then, students will work as a team to design and engineer a custom catapult that includes a lever.

This Kid Spark lesson is designed to introduce students to one of the six simple machines: the wheel & axle. Students will become familiar with how a wheel & axle works by learning key information, building and modifying a wheel & axle model, and then designing and engineering a custom wheel & axle to solve a challenge.

This Kid Spark lesson is designed to introduce students to one of the six simple machines: the screw. Students will become familiar with how a screw works by learning key information, building and modifying a screw, and then designing and engineering a custom screw to solve a challenge.

In this lesson, students will explore how fixed and movable pulleys can be used to make work easier. Then, students will design and engineer a custom pulley system to solve a challenge.

In this design and engineering challenge, students will use the knowledge they have learned about each simple machine to develop a custom, compound machine. This project is designed to promote creative thinking, problem solving, innovation and invention, and an applied learning experience for all STEM students. Students should experience all six Kid Spark simple machines lessons as a prerequisite for this challenge.

In this assessment, students will answer a series of questions to demonstrate an understanding of the core ideas and concepts that were covered throughout this unit.