Twelve everyday tools sit at the top of page 1 on this 3rd grade simple machines sheet, each with a picture and a name. Students write every tool in a six-column chart headed lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge and screw, with two tools in each column. Page 2 has three short questions, one of them about scissors, and a drawing box. Page 3 holds the answer key with sample answers.
“Sort everyday tools by the simple machine they use.”
The chart on page 1 has two tools for each of the six machines, such as a pizza cutter and a doorknob for wheel and axle.
“Name a tool in the classroom that works as a lever.”
Question 1 on page 2 asks for a school example.
“Recognize that one tool can combine simple machines.”
Question 2 asks which machine joins the two levers in a pair of scissors.
A seesaw, doorknob, flagpole, slide, knife and jar lid, then a bottle opener, pizza cutter, window blinds, wheelchair ramp, doorstop and light bulb base. Students write each one in the column for its machine.
Students name a tool at school that is a lever, say which other machine scissors are made of besides two levers, and draw a simple machine they used today with its name underneath.
The finished chart with two tools in each column, plus the wedge answer for the scissors question and sample answers for the two open items.
Hands on first
Pass round a jar, a doorstop and a pair of scissors before students write. Turning a lid and opening scissors makes the screw and wedge columns much easier.
The doorknob argument
Doorknob and pizza cutter share a column, and some students will not believe it. Have them turn a knob slowly and watch the rod in the middle turn with it.
Five minute hunt
Use question 1 as a quick search of the room before anyone writes. A stapler or hole punch usually turns up, and it gives the class a real lever to point at.
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