Today we start a new hands on science unit for homeschool kids – simple machines.
We will discuss why we need simple machines, simple physics concepts for kids, and discuss the first of the six simple machines – inclined plains.
This unit is geared towards Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade students.
Why do we need Simple Machines?
We need simple machines to help us work more effectively.
To better understand how machines work, we need to define some physics concepts for kids.
Simple Physics Concepts for Kids
We started out reading some books (the heart of any study). These are our favorites that I highly recommend.
If you have a Preschool or Kindergarten age child joining your Simple Machine Unit they will enjoy Newton and Me. This beautifully illustrated picture book explains the basics of forces and motion in an easy to read rhyming book.
Let’s start with a simple hands on science activity to help kids understand the basics of physics.
Put a box of books that is too heavy for your child to lift on the floor. Ask your child to life the box on the table. Once they get past the “I can’t do it” part, have them problem solve how they can accomplish their work. They can take the books out/move the box/put the books back in or have a friend help them. No matter how they accomplish it, how long it takes, or who helps it is still the same amount of work.
- When you were moving the box the force of gravity was working against you; making it heavy to lift.
- You used energy to lift the box.
- When you worked together you each had to use less power to accomplish the same work.
Simple machines make work easier
Machines make our work easier. Think of how much work it would be to pick up a car to take it to the mechanic if we had to do all the work ourselves. Luckily we have a machine called a tow truck that makes it easier.
What are other types of machines we use?
Many machines are complex with lots of moving parts, but ALL complex machines are made from six simple machines: inclined plane, wedge, screw, lever, pulley, wheel, and axle. Simple machines have one or no moving parts.
Simple Machine #1 - Inclined Planes
An inclined plane is a flat surface with one edge raised higher than the other. They are useful to help moving heavy items from one level to another easier. They include things like hills, ramps, staircases, and so many more! This book helps kids visualize a whole bunch of inclined planes:
Inclined Planes Experiment #1
We used a hands on science experiment to demonstrate inclined planes.
First I had the kids try to carry a suitcase up and down the stairs. (Yep, I made it extra heavy.) Then I suggested we try moving it using an inclined plane like we were learning about. We used a long card table since we didn’t have a box laying around. The kids were amazed at how much easier it was to move the suitcase up the stairs using an inclined plane.
Inclined Planes “Egg”speriment
Next we explore how inclined planes reduce force with an “egg”speriment.
I hardboiled three eggs (I didn’t really relish the idea of having egg all over). One kid dropped the egg straight down. The next used an inclined plane. The third child used a very gradually sloped inclined plane. The kids observed that using the inclined plane, especially the less steep one, helped the egg go down more slowly and become less cracked.
Force Varies by Incline
We did a third simple machine inclined plane experiment. I explained how force will vary depending on the incline of your ramp just like the less steep egg ramp helped the egg to use the least amount of force and crack less. So we had 3 ramps of increased steepness. We then raced them to see which one would go down with the most force; quickest.
Much to my sons delight, his steep ramp made his car go the quickest of all three cars.
Physicists call this the mechanical advantage. It's the length of your incline plane (ramp) divided by your height.
More Simple Machines for Kids
- Simple Machines – Inclined Planes
- Simple Machines –Wheels & Axel
- Simple Machines – Gears
- Simple Machines –Wedges & Screws
- Simple Machines – Levers & Pulleys
- I Spy Simple Machines Book
- Simple Machines Mini Book
- Simple Machines Game
Download Simple Machine Worksheets
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