Grade 1 Lesson Plan: Simple Machines
Lesson Title: Introduction to Simple Machines
Subject: Science
Grade Level: 1
Duration: 45 minutes
Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
• Identify 3 types of simple machines: lever, screw, and wheel & axle and wedge.
• Describe the function of each simple machine in everyday life.
• Build and test a simple machine in a small group.
Materials:
• Pictures or toy models of simple machines
• Printed worksheet
• Whiteboard and markers
• Chart of simple machines with labels and images
Vocabulary:
• Simple Machine: A tool that helps us do work easier
• Lever: A bar that moves around a point
• Screw: Inclined plane wrapped around a sylinder
• Wheel and Axle: A wheel with a rod through it to help it move
• Wedge: Inclined plane that is thick at one end and tapers to a point on the other
Lesson Procedure:
1. Introduction (10 minutes)
• Ask students: “Have you ever pushed a toy car or used a seesaw?”
• Introduce the idea of simple machines using pictures.
• Explain that simple machines help make work easier.
2. Direct Instruction (15 minutes)
• Show real-life examples or images of:
o Lever: Seesaw
o Inclined Plane: Ramp
o Wheel and Axle: Toy car
• Explain how each one works simply and clearly.
3. Guided Practice – Worksheet (10 minutes)
(See worksheet below)
• Students match machine pictures to names.
• Circle things that are simple machines.
4. Hands-on Activity – Simple Project (20 minutes)
Project: Build a Mini Ramp (Inclined Plane)
• Materials: cardboard piece or paper towel tube cut open, toy cars
• Let kids build a ramp and test how cars roll down.
• Ask: “Was it easier or harder to move the car up the ramp?”
5. Review and Discussion (5 minutes)
• Ask students to name the three machines again.
• Which one did they like building the most?
• Quick review with hand motions (e.g., hands as a seesaw for lever).
Simple Machines Worksheet (Printable)
Name: ____________________
Date: ____________________
Match the simple machine to its name:
(Add pictures in the real printable version)
1. Lever
2. Inclined Plane
3. Wheel and Axle
Circle the items that are simple machines:
• Apple
• Seesaw
• Toy Car
• Book
• Ramp
• Mitten
Draw your favorite simple machine and tell what it does!
Drawing area
"This is a ______________. It helps me ________________."
Simple Project: Mini Ramp (Inclined Plane)
Objective: Build and test a basic inclined plane.
Materials:
• Cardboard ramp or paper towel tube cut open
• Small toy car or marble
• Tape or books to elevate one end
Instructions:
1. Set the ramp on a stack of books.
2. Place the car at the top and let it go.
3. Try with and without the ramp – which is easier?
4. Ask: "What does the ramp help us do?"
Flowchart: Simple Machines Lesson Plan (Grade 1)
Introduction (10 mins)
- Ask questions: "What is a simple machine?"
- Show pictures
▼
Direct Instruction (15 mins)
- Explain 3 types: Lever, Screw, Wheel and Axle & Wedge
- Show examples and pictures
▼
Guided Practice (Worksheet - 10 mins)
- Match pictures
- Circle simple machines
- Draw and label a machine
▼
Hands-On Activity (20 mins)
- Build a mini ramp (inclined plane)
- Test with toy car
- Observe and discuss results
▼
Review and Discussion (5 mins)
- Recap machine names
- Ask favorite part
- Use gestures/motions
▼
End
