1. 3rd Grade Amazing Earth March
Simple Machines
Presentation should take about minutes to allow ample time for the activities.
Keep an eye on the clock as the kids love the hands-on activities.
Ask students to sit on the carpet so the activity can be set up at their desks.
You may have to limit questions or the number of students who can answer a question if time runs short.
Ask helpers to:
familiarize themselves with the activity and its goal
set up during the presentation
Thank you for making Amazing Earth possible!
3rd Grade Amazing Earth
March

2. What is a simple machine?
A tool that makes work easier.
ASK: what is a simple machine?
CLICK to reveal answer and pictures.

3. 6 types of simple machines
Lever
Wheel and axle
Inclined plane
Wedge
Pulley
Screw
Let’s look at each type…

4. What is a lever?
A stiff bar (e.g., pole or board) that is supported at one point (fulcrum).
Used to push, pull or lift an object.
The longer the lever, the easier it is to move an object.
ASK: what is a lever?
Click to reveal the bullet points and pictures.
fulcrum

5. What is a wheel and axle?
A rod attached to a wheel that allows the wheel to turn around it.
The wheel can spin to move an object forward or backward.
The wheel helps reduce friction to make the object move or turn easier.
ASK: what is a wheel and axle?
Click to reveal the bullet points and pictures.

6. What is an inclined plane?
A ramp or flat surface with one end higher than the other.
Helps move heavy objects up or down.
It takes less force to move an object up a ramp than to lift it vertically.
ASK: what is an inclined plane?
Click to reveal the bullet points and pictures.

7. What is a wedge?
An object that is wide at one end and pointed at the other.
Used to cut or split apart other objects.
Also used to keep objects together or stop them from moving.
ASK: what is a wedge?
Click to reveal the bullet points and pictures.

8. What is a pulley?
A wheel with a rope or chain that allows an object to move up or down (or back and forth).
It changes the direction or amount of force needed to do the work to make it easier.
ASK: what is a pulley?
Click to reveal the bullet points and pictures.

9. What is a screw? A twisted inclined plane.
Allows movement from a lower to a higher position while moving in a circle.
Used to hold objects together.
ASK: what is a screw?
Click to reveal the bullet points and pictures.

10. What is a compound machine?
Two or more simple machines combined make compound machines.
ASK: we just looked at 6 types of simple machines. what do you think a compound machine is?
CLICK to reveal the images and bullet point.

11. Let’s Build a Simple Machine

12. Popsicle Stick Catapults
Stack 4 popsicle sticks and rubber band them together on each end.
Take two more sticks, stack together and rubber band them together on just one end.
Pull the two sticks slightly apart and place the larger stack between them.
Rubber band the large stack to just the upper popsicle stick.
Rubber band a spoon to the upper popsicle stick.
Place a pom pom on the spoon.
Hold the catapult with one hand and use the other to pull down the spoon.
Release the spoon to launch the pom pom.
Depending on the number of helpers, it’s recommend either the presenter walk the whole group through the steps and create their own to demonstrate or the activity helpers can lead it in smaller groups.
*Catapults are levers.
Updated 2/20/19
What type of simple machine is a catapult?