Simple Machines

There are spare robot parts all over the Museum. It's the job of Twitch (up there, in red) to go and collect them. It won't be easy, and that's the problem: our adorable-but-lazy friend likes things easier. It's up to you and Twitch to use found objects to create simple machines, devices that will help him solve challenges with a minimum of force, collect the parts and stay out of trouble.

All About Simple Machines (2004)

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Understanding the world around us can be a real adventure! That's the message in this 11-part series for children in grades K-4. Kids travel along as our young host explores the world of physical science and how it can be seen, touched and understood in everyday life.

Grade Level:

Primary

Elementary

Length:

00:23

Destruct 3

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One player builds a block tower in the center of the board, then the other players attempt to destroy the stack using either a ramp, catapult, or pendulum. The destruction method each player uses is determined by a die roll.

Grade Level:

Elementary

Middle

High

Content Area:

Science

Play Time:

15 min.

Simple Machines (1998)

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When a group of children attempt to move their play fort, they realize that six simple machines make the work much easier by changing either force or distance. They learn to identify real-world examples of simple machines including the lever, pulley, wedge, wheel and axle, inclined plane, and screw.

Grade Level:

Primary

Elementary

Length:

00:16

Simple and Compound Machines (1998)

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When "Hardware Hal" holds a "Simple and Compound Machines Sale" he demonstrates to his assistants the six simple machines: the lever, wedge, inclined plane, pulley, wheel & axle, and screw. Shows how these machines make work easier by changing force, direction, or distance.

Grade Level:

Elementary

Length:

00:20

Simple Machines (1993)

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Learning about science can be hard work, but simple machines can make it easier. Let Bill Nye push and pull you around ramps, levers, screws, and pulleys.

Grade Level:

Elementary

Middle

Length:

00:23