The Power of Simple Machines
Simple machines are the basic tools that help us do work with less effort. These machines—levers, pulleys, inclined planes, wheels and axles, screws, and wedges—can be found all around us, from playgrounds and kitchen tools to construction sites. In this lesson, children will learn how these machines change force and motion through hands-on experimentation and playful discovery. As they explore each machine, they'll begin to understand how things move, lift, push, and pull. This knowledge helps young learners connect their play to real-world tools, giving them a strong foundation in physics and problem-solving. By observing, building, and testing, children become young engineers in action.
In the STEAM Spotlight
To bring our theme to life, every corner of the classroom is transformed into a hands-on learning space. From the block center to the sensory bin, each station offers a playful, purposeful activity that connects back to our spotlight topic. These thoughtfully designed spaces encourage children to explore, create, and make real-world connections through STEAM.
Exploring STEAM Stations
Circle Time
To bring our theme to life, every corner of the classroom is transformed into a hands-on learning space. From the block center to the sensory bin, each station offers a playful, purposeful activity that connects back to our spotlight topic. These thoughtfully designed spaces encourage children to explore, create, and make real-world connections through STEAM.
Sensory Bin
To bring our theme to life, every corner of the classroom is transformed into a hands-on learning space. From the block center to the sensory bin, each station offers a playful, purposeful activity that connects back to our spotlight topic. These thoughtfully designed spaces encourage children to explore, create, and make real-world connections through STEAM.
Easel and Art Center
To bring our theme to life, every corner of the classroom is transformed into a hands-on learning space. From the block center to the sensory bin, each station offers a playful, purposeful activity that connects back to our spotlight topic. These thoughtfully designed spaces encourage children to explore, create, and make real-world connections through STEAM.
Literacy Activities
To bring our theme to life, every corner of the classroom is transformed into a hands-on learning space. From the block center to the sensory bin, each station offers a playful, purposeful activity that connects back to our spotlight topic. These thoughtfully designed spaces encourage children to explore, create, and make real-world connections through STEAM.
Math Activities
To bring our theme to life, every corner of the classroom is transformed into a hands-on learning space. From the block center to the sensory bin, each station offers a playful, purposeful activity that connects back to our spotlight topic. These thoughtfully designed spaces encourage children to explore, create, and make real-world connections through STEAM.
Fine Motor and Writing Activities
To bring our theme to life, every corner of the classroom is transformed into a hands-on learning space. From the block center to the sensory bin, each station offers a playful, purposeful activity that connects back to our spotlight topic. These thoughtfully designed spaces encourage children to explore, create, and make real-world connections through STEAM.
Table Toys
To bring our theme to life, every corner of the classroom is transformed into a hands-on learning space. From the block center to the sensory bin, each station offers a playful, purposeful activity that connects back to our spotlight topic. These thoughtfully designed spaces encourage children to explore, create, and make real-world connections through STEAM.
Playground Games
To bring our theme to life, every corner of the classroom is transformed into a hands-on learning space. From the block center to the sensory bin, each station offers a playful, purposeful activity that connects back to our spotlight topic. These thoughtfully designed spaces encourage children to explore, create, and make real-world connections through STEAM.
Books About Simple Machines
Reading books about simple machines helps children build vocabulary and deepen their understanding of science concepts in a fun and meaningful way. Stories and nonfiction texts give context to what they’re learning through play and allow them to revisit those ideas during quiet moments or read-alouds. Books also spark curiosity, prompting children to ask questions and make connections between literature and the real world.
Move It! Motion, Forces and You by Adrienne Mason
This colorful picture book introduces young children to the science of motion and force using simple language and engaging illustrations. It describes how things move, what makes them start or stop, and how force is involved in everyday play. The book uses familiar scenarios, like rolling balls or pushing swings, to explain core physics concepts in a preschool-friendly way. It’s a perfect first step into the world of simple machines.
Simple Machines by D.J. Ward
Part of the National Geographic Kids series, this nonfiction early reader uses real photographs and age-appropriate vocabulary to explore each of the six simple machines. Children learn how each tool works, where it’s used in the real world, and why it’s helpful. With bold visuals and clear examples, it reinforces classroom learning and is great for independent reading or guided discussion. The book helps bridge the gap between hands-on play and scientific explanation.
Awesome Engineering Activities for Kids by Christina Schul
This interactive book combines STEM concepts with hands-on building projects for curious kids. It introduces simple machines through experiments and real-world engineering challenges that children can try at home or in the classroom. Each activity is designed to teach a concept like force, friction, or mechanical advantage in a way that's accessible and fun. It encourages creativity, perseverance, and critical thinking—core skills for every future engineer.
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