Have you seen or used tools at home? Chances are you have used a simple machine more than once! Simple machines begin with six basic instruments that help humans work more efficiently and provide mechanical advantage to performing tasks. While many simple machines operate work with moving components, some machines perform tasks by remaining stationary. Learn about Newton's three laws of motion and how they apply to the forces at work!

Intro: Scissor Linkages

Intro: Class One Levers

Intro: Class Two Levers

Intro: Class Three Levers

Intro: Wheels and Axles

Intro: Inclined Planes

Intro: Wedges

Intro: Four-Bar Linkages

Intro: Sliding Linkages

Intro: Newton’s Three Laws of Motion

STEAM Classroom

United States

Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.

NGSS

3-5-ETS1-1

Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

3-5-ETS1-2

Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.

3-5-ETS1-3

Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

MS-ETS1-1

Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

MS-ETS1-2

Students develop, test and refine prototypes as part of a cyclical design process.

ISTE Students

1.4.c Innovative Designer

Students communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively by creating or using a variety of digital objects such as visualizations, models or simulations.

1.6.c Creative Communicator

The student asks questions, identifies problems, and plans and safely conducts classroom, laboratory, and field investigations to answer questions, explain phenomena, or design solutions using appropriate tools and models.

TEKS Science

3.1A

3.1B

3.1G

The student analyzes and interprets data to derive meaning, identify features and patterns, and discover relationships or correlations to develop evidence-based arguments or evaluate designs.

3.2D

The student develops evidence-based explanations and communicates findings, conclusions, and proposed solutions.

3.3B

The student understands that recurring themes and concepts provide a framework for making connections across disciplines.

3.5A

3.5C

3.5D

3.5F

The student knows the nature of forces and the patterns of their interactions.

3.7A

The student knows that energy is everywhere and can be observed in cycles, patterns, and systems.

3.8B

The student explores the core concepts of computational thinking, a set of problem-solving processes that involve decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithms.

TEKS Technology Applications

The student takes an active role in learning by using a design process to solve authentic problems for a local or global audience, using a variety of technologies.

3.3A

4.1A

4.1B

4.1G

4.2D

4.3B

4.5A

4.5C

4.5D

4.5F

3.7B

4.3A

5.1A

5.1B

5.1G

5.2D

5.3B

5.5A

5.5C

5.5D

5.5F

5.7A

5.7B

5.3A

The student, for at least 40% of instructional time, asks questions, identifies problems, and plans and safely conducts classroom, laboratory, and field investigations to answer questions, explain phenomena, or design solutions using appropriate tools and models.

6.1A

6.1B

6.1G

6.2D

6.3B

6.5A

6.5C

6.5D

6.5F

The student knows the nature of forces and their role in systems that experience stability or change.

6.7A

6.7B

6.7C

The student takes an active role in learning by using a design process and creative thinking to develop and evaluate solutions, considering a variety of local and global perspectives.

6.3A

7.1A

7.1B

7.1G

7.2D

7.3B

7.5A

7.5C

7.5D

7.5F

The student describes the cause-and-effect relationship between force and motion.

7.7A

7.7B

7.7C

7.3A

8.1A

8.1B

8.1G

8.2D

8.3B

8.5A

8.5C

8.5D

8.5F

The student understands the relationship between force and motion within systems.

8.7B

8.3A

The student knows the contributions of scientists and recognizes the importance of scientific research and innovation for society.

3.4A

3.4B

4.4A

4.4B

The student knows the nature of forces and the patterns of their interactions. The student is expected to plan and conduct descriptive investigations to explore the patterns of forces such as gravity, friction, or magnetism in contact or at a distance on an object.

5.4A

5.4B

Apply Newton’s Third Law to design a solution to a problem involving the motion of two colliding objects.*

Supreme Simple Machines