Math and science
Shape Detective
Count the circles, triangles and rectangles hiding in a robot, then build your own character from shapes.
Thinking sheet · Math and science
Simple Machines Hunt
Find levers, wheels, ramps, pulleys, wedges and screws around school and draw where you spotted them.
- Grades
- 2–5
- Time
- about 25 minutes
- Topic
- Math and science
- Kids practice
- simple machines, observation, physics vocabulary
What kids do
“Simple machines are everywhere! How many can you find?”
- Draw one you found for each
- The machine I use most every day:
How to run it
- Write the six names on the cards first: lever, wheel and axle, ramp, pulley, wedge, screw.
- Hints: scissors, door handles, flagpoles, jar lids.
- Walk the building with clipboards.
Talk about it
- How does a ramp make work easier?
- Which machine was hardest to find?
- What machine combines two simple ones?
Take it further
Invent a machine that uses three simple machines.
Pairs well with
Free for home and classroom use. Print as many copies as you need.
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