Simple Machines/Inventors and Inventions

Learning Strand: Technology/Engineering - Materials and Tools

Learning Standards: Students will:

identify and explain the difference simple and complex machines, e.g. hand can opener that includes multiple gears, wheel, wedge gear, and lever.

Edheads - Simple Machines - Students can explore simple machines in their everyday environments (garage, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom). They can also explore complex machines in the tool shed.

Dirtmeister's Simple Machines -A Scholastic site that explores the six simple machines.

Inventor's Workshop - Learn about the inventions of Leonardo DaVinci.

Inventor's Toolbox - Learn about the basic simple machines (with pictures).

Visions of the Future - View inventions thought of by Leonardo DaVinci then and now.

Inventor's and Inventions Unit - Provides an extensive list of websites including resources and activities.

American Experience - This site provides a brief biography of Alexander Graham Bell.

Inquiry Almanac - This site from the Franklin Institute defines and demonstrates the six simple machines.

Simple Machines Learning Site - A simple site that will be useful in teaching elementary students about simple machines.

Aspire Simple Machines: an Introduction - Learn about mechanical advantage and how it relates to the wedge and lever, ramp and pulley, and wheel and axle.

Inventors and Inventions for K-12 Education - Learn about many different inventors and what they invented.