Simple Machines Unit: The Ultimate STEM Curriculum Bundle
NZ$15.00
Description
Ignite curiosity and build real-world engineering skills with this comprehensive, four-phase Simple Machines Unit. Designed to seamlessly integrate Science, Technology, and Reading, this resource provides everything you need for a deep dive into the world of simple machines, culminating in an epic Rube Goldberg challenge!
What’s Included in This 4-Phase Unit?
This complete curriculum is structured around the learning cycle: Discover, Experiment, Combine, and Assess.
The six simple machines included in this unit are: lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge and screw.
1. Phase One: Discover and Explore
Goal: Building Foundational Knowledge through Reading Comprehension.
- Whole-Class Teaching Slides: Ready-to-use presentations for each simple machine featuring:
- Reading Passages and Comprehension Questions.
- Visual Examples of each machine in action.
- 3 “Which Invention is This?” Challenges to spark engagement.
- Differentiated Reading Activity Sheets:
- Reading passages provided at Two Levels for easy differentiation.
- Comprehension questions covering Literal, Inference, Summarising, and Evaluative skills.
- A unique Vocabulary Word Find where students must demonstrate passage understanding to locate words!
2. Phase Two: Experiment and Create
Goal: Applying Knowledge and Growing Skills through Practical Application.
- Phase Two Introduction Slideshow to set the stage.
- Six Practical Cardboard Challenges: Dedicated, hands-on team challenges—one for each simple machine.
- Bonus Team Challenge for extended experimentation.
- Explanation Writing Task: An integrated literacy task to articulate scientific understanding.
3. Phase Three: Combine and Celebrate
Goal: Collaborate, Design, and Create the Ultimate Machine.
- Whole-Class Rube Goldberg Design Challenge: A collaborative project that brings all six simple machines together!
- The final machine must work in sync with a piece of music for a spectacular display.
- Challenge Materials Included:
- Phase Three Slideshow to introduce the challenge parameters.
- Whole-Class Challenge Posters.
- Planning and Design Activity Sheets.
- Engineering Design Process Posters to guide the build.
4. Phase Four: Review and Assess
Goal: Review and Formally Assess Learning.
- End-of-Design Challenge Group Assessment Sheet for collaborative evaluation.
- Simple Machines Quiz to formally assess individual knowledge retention.
Our Simple Machines Unit is Ready to Go:
- Full Integration: Perfectly weaves Science, Technology, and Reading standards.
- Differentiation Ready: Built-in two-level reading passages and varied activity types.
- Ultimate Engagement: The hands-on challenges and final Rube Goldberg project guarantee student excitement!
- Everything Included: From whole-class teaching to final assessment—it’s all here!
63 pages and 50 slides
