Simple Machines Activities for Middle School Science

The resources below will provide students a comprehensive understanding of simple machines. All of the following lessons are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.

The Simple Machines 5E Lesson includes materials for every "E" phase, including the Simple Machines Station Lab for Exploration and an interactive PowerPoint with digital INB templates for Explanation.

The lesson also includes introduction materials for Engagement, student-choice project ideas for Elaboration, and assessments for Evaluation.

After completing the Simple Machines 5E Lesson, students will be able to describe the six major simple machines (screw, wheel and axle, lever, pulley, incline plane, and wedge), they will also be able to describe how simple machines make work easier by either changing the direction of the force exerted or increasing the distance.

Distance-Learning Ready

Simple Machines Classroom Experiences

Create a powerful student experience to help solidify students' understanding about simple machines. The following experience is also included in the Kesler Science Membership.

stem challenges

The Project, Move - Design a Pulley System To Move a Heavy Load STEM Challenge uses the engineering design process to research pulley systems and design a contraption which will allow you to lift box by using less than half of the force it would take to lift the box on its own.

Students will be using collaborative skills such as brainstorming with their peers and reflecting on their progress during the project.

At the end of the Project, Move - Design a Pulley System To Move a Heavy Load, STEM challenge, students are given an opportunity to share their projects outside of the classroom.

Year-Round Resources

These year-round activities will increase your students' understanding of many middle school science topics.  All of these activities are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.

You're not alone if your students struggle with understanding graphs, charts, and tables. It's a skill that takes an enormous amount of practice. This resource will help students build a strong foundation in analyzing data and creating their own data visualizations.

These middle school science bell ringers are an excellent way to engage your students as soon as they walk into your classroom. This comprehensive FULL YEAR resource includes everything you need to start off each science class with an interesting warm-up activity.

Each game board has been carefully designed to keep students engaged. There are 10 different action spaces on each board and dozens of question cards. All of the actions are related to science concepts and keep the students motivated throughout the game.

Each game is ready to play. Simply print out the board and the cards and let the students enjoy reviewing nine different units.

Essential Questions and Standards

Below are the essential questions and standards associated with the lessons and activities included in the simple machines unit. This topic is only one of more than 100 middle school science topics included in the Kesler Science Membership.

Essential Questions
  • How do simple machines change the amount of force and/or direction needed to move an object?
  • How do simple machines make work easier?
  • TEKS Science 6.8 E - Investigate how inclined planes can be used to change the amount of force to move an object

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Kesler Science Membership

Imagine never having to search for another middle school science lesson again. The membership gives you access to ALL of the Kesler Science products in one place (Yes, including everything above).  

Say goodbye to long hours of lesson prep.