Lesson 1: Introduction to Simple Machines and Design Thinking Objective: Understand the engineering design process

• Engage students in a discussion about how simple machines make our lives easier.
• Show examples of simple machines in everyday life and discuss their functions.
• Introduce the concept of design thinking and explain how it applies to creating simple machines.
• Have students brainstorm and sketch their own simple machine ideas.

Lesson 2: Exploring Levers Objective: Identify the components of a lever

• Introduce the concept of a lever and explain how it works.
• Show examples of levers and discuss their components (fulcrum, load, effort).
• Provide materials for students to create their own levers and experiment with different fulcrum positions.

Lesson 3: Understanding Pulleys Objective: Identify the components of a pulley

• Introduce the concept of a pulley and explain how it works.
• Show examples of pulleys and discuss their components (wheel, axle, rope).
• Provide materials for students to create their own pulleys and experiment with different configurations.

Lesson 4: Exploring Wheels and Axles Objective: Identify the definition of a wheel and axle

• Introduce the concept of a wheel and axle and explain how it works.
• Show examples of wheels and axles and discuss their components.
• Provide materials for students to create their own wheels and axles and experiment with different sizes and shapes.

Lesson 5: Investigating Inclined Planes Objective: Identify the inclined plane as a simple machine

• Introduce the concept of an inclined plane and explain how it works.
• Show examples of inclined planes and discuss their functions.
• Provide materials for students to create their own inclined planes and experiment with different angles.

Lesson 6: Exploring Screws Objective: Identify the components of a screw

• Introduce the concept of a screw and explain how it works.
• Show examples of screws and discuss their components.
• Provide materials for students to create their own screws and experiment with different thread patterns.

Lesson 7: Investigating Wedges Objective: Identify the wedge as a simple machine

• Introduce the concept of a wedge and explain how it works.
• Show examples of wedges and discuss their functions.
• Provide materials for students to create their own wedges and experiment with different shapes and angles.

Lesson 8: Applying the Engineering Design Process Objective: Apply the engineering design process to create a simple machine

• Review the steps of the engineering design process.
• Have students choose a simple machine they want to create.
• Guide students through the process of defining the problem, researching and gathering information, brainstorming and generating ideas, creating a prototype, testing and evaluating the prototype, and making improvements.

Throughout the lessons, encourage students to experiment, test, and evaluate their creations. Use the available materials and tools to support their exploration and understanding of simple machines and design thinking.