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Machines at Work and Play

Grades 3 - 5

A "problem" might seem like something bad is about to happen, but often a problem is a puzzle waiting for a solution. Guide students through an exciting exploration of simple machines wrapped up in 5E lesson plans where students investigate simple machines through active learning, then apply their new knowledge to collaborate in designing playground equipment.

Leveled Readers are available in four Lexile Measures, distinguished by a color key on the back of each reader.

Lexile Levels
Blue
 Lexile Measure Range 900-1050
Purple
 Lexile Measure Range 750-900
Red
 Lexile Measure Range 600-750
Yellow
 Lexile Measure Range 450-600

Driving Question

How do people use simple machines to solve problems?

Anchor Phenomenon

Engineers design machines that make work easier.

  Investigative Phenomena
–Focus Questions		 Real-World Phenomena
Lesson 1
Force and Work		 Focus Question How do force and distance affect work? Real-World Phenomena
  • Relationship of force, distance and work
Lesson 2
Inclined Planes		 Focus Question How do inclined planes make work easier? Real-World Phenomena
  • Use of inclined planes in building the Egyptian pyramids
Lesson 3
Wedges and Screws		 Focus Question How do wedges and screws make work easier? Real-World Phenomena
  • Solving a problem with an Archimedes's screw
Lesson 4
Levers		 Focus Question How do levers affect force and work? Real-World Phenomena
  • Tools that are levers
  • Levers in the human body
Lesson 5
Friction		 Focus Question How does friction affect the motion of objects? Real-World Phenomena
  • Friction and lubrication in the sport of curling
Lesson 6
Wheel and Axle		 Focus Question How does a wheel and axle make work easier? Real-World Phenomena
  • Wheel and axle systems in common objects
  • Gear systems in common objects
Lesson 7
Pulleys		 Focus Question How do pulleys make it easier to do work? Real-World Phenomena
  • Pulley systems in common objects and situations
Lesson 8
Compound Machines		 Focus Question How are simple machines combined to make compound machines? Real-World Phenomena
  • Everyday objects that are compound machines
  • Bicycle engineering and design
Lesson 9
Engineering Design		 Focus Question How can simple machines be combined to make a piece of playground equipment? Real-World Phenomena
  • The process of designing a playground

Name Item Number Unit Price* Quantity
Machines at Work and Play Complete Kit 2003535 $716.00
Machines at Work and Play Teacher Guide 2002019 $93.09
Machines at Work and Play Science Notebook, Pack of 4 2002028 $13.89
Machines at Work and Play Blue Reader, Pack of 4 2002023 $27.79
Machines at Work and Play Purple Reader, Pack of 4 2002016 $27.79
Machines at Work and Play Red Reader, Pack of 4 2002015 $27.79
Machines at Work and Play Yellow Reader, Pack of 4 2002014 $27.79
Machines at Work and Play Reader Sample Pack of 4 (1 of each Lexile Level) 2002007 $27.79