A simple machine is a device that does a physical task and can make the work easier by using less effort and energy.  These machines make moving or lifting things easier, can carry people from place to place, and can help in building things.  Get ready to explore the inclined plane, wedge, wheel and axle, pulley, lever, and screw.

Today, you will learn about simple machines!

Step 1: We may not know it but we use simple machines everyday. 

Let’s take some time to learn more about each of these simple machines here. See if you can recognize any of these. Learn more about how simple machines really do make the work much easier here. 

Step 2: Now that you know more about simple machines, let’s use dance movement to illustrate each machine. Check out this dance class that created movements for each of the simple machines. Can you create a movement with your body individually, with a partner, or with a group for each of the simple machines?

Step 3: Moving From Here to There:  Your task is to brainstorm and design a simple machine that can move an object from one place to another. You can move an object from a lower to a higher place, higher to a lower place, or from one place to another. Check out Example 1, Example 2, and Example 3  to help you get started with ideas. This read aloud also has some really great ideas too!

Step 4: It’s time to build! You can use materials provided at school or found at home to build your simple machine.  Let’s test it out. Find an object that you want to move and test out your simple machine. You can follow the engineering process to make improvements and test again!

Step 5: Be sure to share your design on social media using #MakerMonday & #LearningInPlaceTN!



Additional Resources:

30 Simple Machine Projects for Kids

Simple Machine Activities

Rube Goldberg machines are fascinating to watch. These chain reaction systems use simple machines to complete a task in the most over the top way possible. Most people don't realize that Rube Goldberg was a cartoonist with an incredible imagination and sense of humor!

Today, you will explore more about the cartoonist Rube Goldberg!

Step 1:  Who is Rube Goldberg and what is the famous Rube Goldberg machine?  Check out this read aloud of “Just Like Rube Goldberg: The Incredible True Story of the Man Behind the Machines” to learn more about this award-winning artist and famous inventor.

Step 2:  If you love to watch movies, then you may have seen one of Goldberg’s machines in one of your favorite movies.  Check out this fun video to learn more. See how many simple machines you can find! Can you think of any other movies or shows that have featured a Rube Goldberg machine? 

Step 3:  Rube Goldberg loved to use many different simple machines working together for his inventions.  This has inspired many people to invent and create their own Goldberg “inspired” machines.  Check out this GIANT Rube Goldberg machine in this video.

Step 4: Are you getting excited to create your very own Rube Goldberg machine? It can be so much fun to unleash your creativity and imagination! Search your home and create your supply list and consider what you want your end result to be. Here are some great examples to get you thinking! 

Example 1  Example 2  Example 3

Step 5: Ask a family member to share what you learned about the Rube Goldberg machine on social media using #WonderWednesdayTN & #LearningInPlaceTN!

Additional Resources:

Rube Goldberg Challenge

Easy Rube Goldberg Ideas

The use of simple machines makes it easier to do some of our most important jobs. While we often overlook their uses in our fast paced, modern world, many careers still rely on simple machines. From careers in construction to engineering, there are endless applications for these amazing machines!

Today, you will explore potential careers that use simple machines.

Step 1: Construction workers and builders use many machines every day to help them do their job. These machines can include an incline plane to move concrete from one place to another, pulleys to lift and move heavy objects into place, or the wheel and axle on big truck. Check out this video to see how construction workers and builders use machines.

Step 2:  Would you love to work at your favorite theme part? Think of your favorite rides from Dollywood, Disney, Universal Studios, Legoland, or the annual fair or carnival. Someone designed your favorite ride! That someone could be you with a career as a Theme Park Engineer. Listen as Betsy McIver explains more. Here is more info about becoming a theme park engineer.

Step 3: Have you ever thought about a career in robotics engineering? You can start by joining your school's robotics team. Check out this school team as they go on a field trip to learn more about this career and some robot projects for kids. Still interested? Let’s watch this video to learn more about this exciting career.

Step 4: Manufacturing uses raw materials such as wood, steel, and cloth to make things like cars, furniture, electronics, and machinery, and more. So what would a career in manufacturing look like?  Check out this video to learn more.

Step 5: Ask a family member to share something you learned about one of the careers using #FutureFridayTN & #LearningInPlaceTN!

Additional Resources:

National Inventors Hall of Fame

Educational Innovators