Name:

Date:

Subject:

Grade:

Jenny Collins-Thompson
Simple Machines: Wedges/Screw
Lesson Standard/Evidence Outcome: Students will:
1.
Use multiple types of technology to learn about Simple Machines
2.
Describe all 6 types of Simple Machines.
3.
Understand the vocabulary associated with Simple Machines.
4.
Demonstrate how each Simple Machine Works.
5.
Create a Kidspiration with information they learned from each lesson.

Content Objective: 3.PS.1 Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced
and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object. 3.PS.2 Identify types of simple machines and their uses.
Investigate and build simple machines to understand how they are used.
Language Objective: 3.RV.3.2 Determine the meaning of general academic and content specific words and
phrases in a nonfiction text relevant to a third grade topic or subject area.3.SL.2.2 Explore ideas under
discussion by drawing on reading and other information.
Essential Vocabulary: Wedge, Screw, spiral
Lesson Activities: DID Model
I Do (teacher instruction)
Introduce Wedges and
Screws using props from the classroom or at home.
Students will be given a Scavenger hunt handout. Students
are to find examples of Wedges and Screws in the
classroom and within the school and take a picture.
Students can also take pictures of levers and pulleys when
they find them.

We Do (class/group activity)Students will build an

Archimedes Screw
Wrap the clear tubing around the pipe and secure it with
clear packing tape. Duct tape would probably hold better
(and for longer), but then you wouldnt be able to see the
water in the tube! Put some water in your bowl and add a
few drops of food coloring to make the water easier to see.
Then simply place your screw with the bottom end resting in
the water. Put a glass under the top of the screw. Then
start turning the pipe! The water will travel up the screw
and drip out into the glass!
You Do (student practice)

Lesson Checks for Understanding and Assessments:

Students will be given a set amount of time to complete
their task. Students will set a timer on their electronic
device to alert them that their time is up. A timer will also
be set on the Smart Board. When students return they will
send their pictures up to the Smart Board and sort them
into their Simple Machine categories. As the class is
sorting, check for understanding as to why each items
belongs in the category.

Students will work in teams to construct their Archimedes

Screw while the teacher walks around observing and
offering assistance when necessary. Teacher can give
students freedom to make any adjustments to their Screw,
if desired.

Review as a group what we learned in the video. Check for

understanding. If any students are struggling with the
different types of wedges, screws or the vocabulary,

Name:

Date:

Subject:

They will return to their seats to watch the Wedge and

Screw video.
https://youtu.be/iHeXFRlo17g

Grade:

review with more detail.

To assess the students individual understanding, the
teacher will administer a quiz with 10 questions. This quiz
will also be a part of the unit test at the end of the week.

Extended Learning/Re-teaching:
Students will compile their new knowledge of Simple Machines into a kidspiration. A version created by the teacher will be given at the beginning of the
unit. Students will be asked to add pictures from their hands-on projects and a short video summary of what they learned about each type of simple
machine. Students are encouraged to build their kidspiration as we work through the unit. Students will share their creations with the class.
Adaptations:
Students that have difficulties using fine motor
skills may find building the Archimeds Screw.
The Teacher can assist these students or have a
pre-made screw already assembled that they
can use. Students that do not work well in
groups can work independently. Any other
needs may be met with one on one instruction
from the Teacher or assistance by a Teacher
Assistant or Room Parent.
http://frugalfun4boys.com/2016/04/28/simplemachines-lesson-lift-water-archimedes-screw/

Materials Needed:
A bowl
A plastic cup
A piece of PVC pipe we used
1.5 inch diameter pipe, and our
piece is about 14 inches long
Clear plastic tubing, 1/4 inch
inside diameter you can find
this at Lowes or Home Depot
Clear packing tape
Water
Food coloring
Scavenger hunt handout

How did I differentiate?

Visual: You Tube video, props: door wedges
and screws, visual directions for Archimedes
Screw.
Auditory: You Tube Video, Class Discussions
Tactile: Build Archimedes Screw.
Technology: You Tube Video, Kidspiration,
eBooks for Independent reading