PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE
Pupils have previously learned about tools and their uses in everyday life.
MAIN AIM
To help pupils understand what simple machines are, their types, and how they make work
easier.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
1. Define what a simple machine is.
2. Identify at least five types of simple machines.
3. Describe how simple machines help us do work more easily.
4. Mention examples of simple machines used in the home and school.
PERSONAL AIM
To improve classroom management skills and maintain active pupil participation throughout the
lesson.
ASSUMPTION
Pupils have seen or used tools like wheelbarrows, knives, or scissors at home or school.
ANTICIPATED PROBLEM
Pupils may find it difficult to relate the names of the machines with their actual use or identify
them in real life.
SOLUTION
Use real-life objects or improvised teaching aids to demonstrate and allow hands-on
exploration.
TEACHING AIDS / MATERIALS
Pictures and real items: scissors, bottle opener, wheelbarrow, hammer, knife
Flashcards with machine names and uses
Chart showing types of simple machines
Whiteboard and marker
TEACHING METHOD
Demonstration
Discussion
Explanation
Question and Answer
INTERACTION PATTERN
Teacher–Pupil
Pupil–Pupil
Group–Work
DIFFERENTIATION
Slow learners will be shown real items to help them understand.
Fast learners will assist peers and identify more examples.
Mixed ability groups will be formed for class activities.
INSTRUCTIONAL PROCESS
STEP 1: Introduction
The teacher reviews previous lesson on “tools and their uses. She asks: “Have you ever used a
tool that helps you do something easily, like cutting or lifting?”
Then she links the answers to today’s topic.
STEP 2: Definition of Simple Machines
Explain: A simple machine is a tool or device that makes our work easier.
It helps us to move things, lift heavy loads, cut or fix things by using less effort.
Example: Using a knife to cut food.
Write the definition on the board.
Ask pupils to repeat after you and write it in their notes.
STEP 3: Types of Simple Machines
Show pictures and real objects.
Explain 5 types:
1. Lever (e.g., seesaw, crowbar)
A lever is a straight bar or rod that rests on a turning point called a fulcrum.
We use a lever to lift or move heavy things.
2. Inclined Plane (e.g., ramp)
An inclined plane is a flat surface that is slanted. It helps to raise or lower things.
Examples:
o Ramp
o Sloping road
o Slide
3. Pulley (e.g., well rope)
A pulley is a wheel with a rope around it. It helps to lift or pull things.
Examples:
o Well with a rope and bucket
o Flag pole
o Window blinds
How it helps:
A pulley makes lifting things up easier by changing the direction of the force.
5. Wheel and Axle (e.g., bicycle wheel)
A wheel and axle is a machine with a round wheel attached to a rod (axle). When one turns, the
other turns too.
Examples:
1. Car wheels
2. Rolling chair wheels
3. Door knob
4. Bicycle
How it helps:
It makes it easier to move heavy things over a distance.
Wedge (e.g., knife, axe)
A wedge is a sharp tool with one thick end and one thin edge. It is used to cut or split things
apart.
Examples:
o Knife
o Axe
o Razor
o Nail
o Chisel
How it helps:
A wedge helps to cut, split, or open things.
6. Screw
A screw is a simple machine with a sharp point and a twisted thread. It is used to hold things
together or lift things.
Examples:
o Jar lid
o Light bulb
o Screwdriver
o Drill
How it helps:
A screw helps to fasten objects tightly and securely
STEP 4: How Simple Machines Help Us
Explain how each machine reduces the amount of energy needed or makes work faster.
Example: A pulley makes it easier to lift a bucket from a well.
Use flashcards for activity – pupils match machine with how it helps.
STEP 5: Examples at Home and School.
Examples of Simple Machines in Everyday Life
Simple Machine Example at Home Example at School
Lever Bottle opener Scissors
Pulley Bucket in well Curtain rope
Inclined Plane Ramp for trolley Playground slide
Simple Machine Example at Home Example at School
Wedge Kitchen knife Pencil sharpener
Wheel & Axle Wheelbarrow Door knob
Screw Jar lid Chalkboard holder
- Ask pupils to mention where they have seen or used simple machines.
- Record answers on the board: knife (home), scissors (school), sharpener (school), wheelbarrow
(garden).
- Group pupils to list more examples in their notebooks.
EVALUATION (TEACHER)
The teacher will evaluate pupils by:
Asking oral questions during the lesson.
Observing participation in group activities.
Checking if pupils can name and explain the machines correctly.
EVALUATION (PUPILS)
Pupils should be able to:
Define a simple machine
Name five types of simple machines
Say how they help us
Mention examples seen at home or school
REFERENCE
Basic Science for Primary Schools (UBE Edition)
Teacher's Lesson Note
Internet images of simple machines
BOARD SUMMARY (For Pupils to Copy)
SIMPLE MACHINES
1. Definition:
A simple machine is a tool or device that helps us do work easily.
2. Types of Simple Machines:
Lever
Inclined Plane
Pulley
Wheel and Axle
Wedge
3. How They Help:
Simple machines reduce the amount of energy needed or make work faster and easier.
4. Examples:
Knife
Scissors
Wheelbarrow
Ramp
Pulley in a well
Would you like a short quiz or flashcards to go along with this lesson?
You said:
Write a note on simple machine write everything pupils should know about all the simple
machines
ChatGPT said:
Here is a complete note on simple machines designed for Grade 4 pupils. It explains everything
they should know in simple, clear language, including definitions, types, examples, and uses.
NOTE ON SIMPLE MACHINES
What is a Simple Machine?
A simple machine is a tool or device that makes our work easier.
It helps us to move things, lift heavy loads, cut or fix things by using less effort.
Types of Simple Machines
There are six (6) types of simple machines:
1. Lever
A lever is a straight bar or rod that rests on a turning point called a fulcrum.
We use a lever to lift or move heavy things.
Examples:
o Seesaw
o Crowbar
o Bottle opener
o Hammer (for pulling nails)
How it helps:
A lever makes lifting or opening something easier.
2. Inclined Plane
An inclined plane is a flat surface that is slanted. It helps to raise or lower things.
Examples:
o Ramp
o Sloping road
o Slide
How it helps:
It makes it easier to push or pull things up instead of lifting them directly.
3. Pulley
A pulley is a wheel with a rope around it. It helps to lift or pull things.
Examples:
o Well with a rope and bucket
o Flag pole
o Window blinds
How it helps:
A pulley makes lifting things up easier by changing the direction of the force.
4. Wheel and Axle
A wheel and axle is a machine with a round wheel attached to a rod (axle). When one turns, the
other turns too.
Examples:
o Car wheels
o Rolling chair wheels
o Door knob
o Bicycle
How it helps:
It makes it easier to move heavy things over a distance.
5. Wedge
A wedge is a sharp tool with one thick end and one thin edge. It is used to cut or split things
apart.
Examples:
o Knife
o Axe
o Razor
o Nail
o Chisel
How it helps:
A wedge helps to cut, split, or open things.
6. Screw
A screw is a simple machine with a sharp point and a twisted thread. It is used to hold things
together or lift things.
Examples:
o Jar lid
o Light bulb
o Screwdriver
o Drill
How it helps:
A screw helps to fasten objects tightly and securely.
Why Simple Machines Are Important
They help us to do work with less effort.
They save time and energy.
They are used in our daily life at home, school, and workplace.
Many tools and machines are made from simple machines.
Examples of Simple Machines in Everyday Life
Simple Machine Example at Home Example at School
Lever Bottle opener Scissors
Pulley Bucket in well Curtain rope
Inclined Plane Ramp for trolley Playground slide
Wedge Kitchen knife Pencil sharpener
Wheel & Axle Wheelbarrow Door knob
Screw Jar lid Chalkboard holder