Simple Machines Level: 3rd Grade Time Frame: Approximately 1 Quarter  Description:  Students will be introduced to the concepts related to force and motion.  They will be able to identify the relationships between force, mass, and distance.

Overview Activity List Learning Objectives Standards Resources

Learning Objectives

Students will know and experience:

• Scientists define work as using a force to move an object over a distance.
• A force can be a push, pull, or lift.
• It is possible to measure force so that we can compare how much force it takes to move different objects under different conditions.
• The amount of force that it takes to move an object depends on the weight (mass) of the object.
• Objects have weight (mass) because of the pull of gravity.
• The amount of force that it takes to push or pull an object across a surface is affected by friction.
• Friction is a force caused by two objects rubbing together
• A machine is something that makes it easier for a human being to do work.
• Making work easier means requiring less force to get work done.
• Simple machines require an input of human force.
• Modern machines may do all the work, so that human force is not necessary--the force or energy is provided by electricity, fuel, etc.
• An inclined plane is a simple machine that can be used to reduce the amount of force needed to lift an object.
• The longer the inclined plane, the less force required for lifting.
• In science investigations, the outcome can often be affected by several things called variables.  For a “fair test or fair comparison” only one variable can be changed at a time.
• Wedges and tools are simple machines that are related to inclined planes and they can make specific types of work easier.
• Levers are another type of simple machine that can be used to help lift or “pry” objects.
• The placement of the fulcrum in a lever affects the height of the lever and the amount of force needed to use it.
• There are several kinds of levers; not all levers look alike and work alike.
• A wheel and axle system can make it easier to move an object over a surface.
• Gears are connecting wheels that can transfer motion from one place to another and can change the direction and speed of motion.
• A pulley is a simple machine that can make it easier to lift things, by changing the direction of force and/or the amount of force needed.

Students will practice:

• Formulating questions on a specific science topic and choosing the steps needed to answer the questions.
• Collecting data for investigations using scientific process skills including observing, estimating, and measuring.
• Constructing charts and visualizations to display data.
• Using data to produce reasonable explanations.
• Reporting and displaying the results of individual and group investigations.

Standards

Illinois State Standards: Late Elementary- As a result of their schooling, students will be able to

 12D. Know and apply concepts that describe force and motion and the principles that explain them

• Explain constant, variable, and periodic motion
• Demonstrate and explain ways that forces cause actions and reactions

 (Science Performance Descriptors 12 D: B-C-D 

 Students will:

• Apply scientific inquiries or technological designs to compare and contrast common forces around us by distinguishing the work of simple machines

• Apply scientific inquiries or technological designs to explain the characteristics of forces, exploring how simple machines work

• Apply scientific inquiries or technological designs to analyze forces, collecting and graphing mathematical data on mechanical advantage using simple machines)

 11A. Know and apply the concepts, principles, and processes of scientific inquiry

• Formulate questions on a specific science topic and choose the steps needed to answer the question

• Collect data for investigations using scientific process skills including observing, estimating, and measuring
• Construct charts and visualizations to display data
• Use data to produce reasonable explanations
• Report and display the results of individual and group investigations

Resources

Champaign Community Unit School District #4 * Mellon Administrative Center
703 South New Street * Champaign, IL 61820 * 217.351.3800