Simple machines by design
Teaching simple machines in grades 3-5 is a challenge. In addition to being on the edge of developmental awareness, the area of simple machines is tough to demonstrate and engage our students. Fortunately, a popular toy can be easliy employed to enrich the process and incorporate design as a side benefit. Please click on What do elementary students need to know about machines? for my view on this curricular area. Another design strategy is to host an invention night for your students at the end of the unit. Various protocols for that type of activity are listed in the resources.
