McGraw-Hill Science 2005

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Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Science Grade 3
Grade 3
e-Journal

Simple Machines

Step 1. Questions

Did you know that simple machines are part of your body? Your arms and legs act as levers to help you move and pick up things. In fact, most bones act as levers. Your muscles pull on them to move your body.

Inside and outside of your body, you use simple machines. For this e-Journal project, you will research and report on simple machines. Here are questions to guide your research.
  • What are the six simple machines?
  • When you use a simple machine, do you do less work to complete a task? Why or why not?
  • What are some examples of different simple machines?
  • What tool or useful item do you think you might invent using simple machines?
  • What questions do you have about simple machines?
Are you ready? Look for answers to these questions at the Web sites listed in Step 2. As you learn about simple machines, take notes in the note-taking boxes. When you are ready, follow Step 3 to write your report.

Step 2. Research

Research answers for the questions you were asked in Step 1. Visit these Web sites. Take notes about them on this page, too!

Edheads: Simple Machines
Wow! Edheads presents fun cartoons and sound effects, all about simple machines and how they work. Click “Start”, then explore the simple machines in either the house or the tool shed.
Take Notes:



Simple Machines Made Simpler
What are simple machines, and how do they work? This site is ready to tell you all about them. Click the “next” button to advance from screen to screen.
Take Notes:



Simple Machines
The Franklin Institute presents this fun Web site about simple machines. Each simple machine is explained with words and pictures. You may also try the links at the bottom of the page to learn more.
Take Notes:



Go to Step 3 or Save My Notes


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