50+ EPIC Simple Machine Projects for Kids

If you are learning about simple machines for kids and looking for some fun,hands-on  STEM activities for kids, you are going to love these simple machine projects. With over 50 creative simple machine activities, we will show you how to make a simple machine as you learn about the 6 simple machines: inclined planes, wheel & axle, wedges, levers, pulley, and screws. We have simple machines project ideas for kindergarten, first grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, and 6th grade students.

Simple machines for kids

Are your elementary age students learning about simle machines for kids? If so the best way to learn what are simple machines is to do! Make some fun, hands-on simple machine projects to see how helpful these inventions actually are!  Using these simple machines projects you can learn about simple machines like inclined planes, wheel & axel, wedges, levers, pulley, and screws with these fun science experiments for kids. Whether you are a parent, teacher, or homeschooler – you will love that these simple machines experients are created making simple machines with household items! So keep scrolling, pick a DIY simple machines to try, and get working on simple machines at home with your preschoolers, kindergartners, grade 1, grade 2, grade 3, grade 4, grade 5, and grade 6 students!

Plus don’t miss our pop rocks science experiment, hundreds of fun science experiments and free 5th grade worksheets

What are simple machines

Simple machines are basic mechanical devices that can make our daily tasks easier by multiplying or redirecting force. They are the building blocks of more complex machines and have been used throughout history to aid in everyday activities.

Some examples of simple machines include levers, pulleys, inclined planes, wedges, screws, and wheel and axle. By understanding how these simple machines work, we can create more efficient tools and machines to help us in our everyday lives.

From opening a can of soda with a lever, to using a screw to hold together pieces of furniture, simple machines are all around us and play a crucial role in making our lives easier. So next time you’re using a simple machine, take a moment to appreciate the clever engineering behind it!

6 Simple Machines

Did you know that there are six simple machines that make up the basis of all complex machinery we use today? These simple machines are:

• Lever – examples inlcude see-saw or scissors
• Wheel and axle – examples inlcude bicycle or doorknob
• Pulley – examples inlcude flagpole or elevator
• Inclined plane – examples inlcude ramp or ladder
• Wedge – examples inlcude knife or axe
• Screw – examples inlcude screw or spiral staircase

How Do Simple Machines Make Work Easier?

Simple machines are essential tools that have been used by humans for centuries to make work easier. They operate on the principle of reducing the amount of force needed to complete a task by manipulating the direction or magnitude of the force applied. By using simple machines, people are able to work more efficiently and with less effort.

Simple Machine Project

Ready to make a simple machine project? We have so many fun simple machines projects ideas using simple items from around your house or classroom.

Simple Machines Lever

A lever is a simple machine that helps us move objects with less effort. It consists of a rigid bar or beam that pivots on a fixed point called a fulcrum. By applying force at one end of the lever, we can lift or move a heavy object at the other end. Levers are all around us, from the seesaw at the playground to the handle of a wheelbarrow.

• Launching Snowman from Buggy & Buddy is such a cute activity to help kids explore levers in a super creative way!
• Popsicle Stick Catapult makes learning about simple machines fun! Launch marshmallows and perfect your project
• What can simple machines make? Take a peak with this Make a Crane from At Home with Ali
• Paper Towel Roll Catapult from Kids Activities Blog is a mega size project showcasing the lever
• Tissue Box Catapult from Premeditated Leftovers is a fun twist on the typical lever project you’ve seen
• What’s the Big Deal with a Fulcrum? from Ozark Ramblings is a simple, no frills look at a lever.
• Levers have never been more fun than when you create one out of recycled materials like The OT Toolbox
• DIY Craft Stick Catapult is a fun-to-try activity learning about levers from Coffee Cups and Crayons
• Levers and Pulleys lesson for students
• Investingating levers with preschoolers from play teach repeat uses simple objects around the house
• Aim… Fire! from Andrea Knight is a fun hands-on project to teach kids about levers
• Combine Science and Art in this fun Catapult art project from Fun-a-Day
• For your lego enthusiasts, this lego catapult is sure to get them eager to learn

Simple Machines Wheel and Axle

The wheel and axle is a basic machine that consists of a circular wheel attached to a rod or shaft called the axle. When force is applied to the wheel, it causes the axle to rotate, which in turn helps to move objects with less effort. This ingenious invention has been used for centuries in various forms, from chariots in ancient times to modern vehicles and machinery.

• Let your kids imaginations run wild as they make their own Button Wheel & Axel Cars from Almost Unschoolers
• Wheel and Axle Project using plates from Sciencing is a fun, simple to make project with items you probably have laying around your house.
• Bubble Machine Blower Machine from Teach Beside Me – this is such a fun idea kids will get excited about that explores the wheel simple machine
• Dive into history with this Ancient Civilization Irrigation Model that explores several simple machines from Teach Student Savvy
• Wheel and Axle for kids lesson with projects and other fun ideas
• Gears for Kids filled with lots of hands on activities
• Try making this balloon powered car for a simple demonstartion of the importance of adding wheels
• Build a candy corn gear to demonstrate how work from Little Bins for Little Hands
• This hand crank winch project from Children’s Science Center allows students to see a wheel in action
• Try this simple and fun rubberband powered car to explore the helpful wheel and axle simple machine

Simple Machines Pulley

A pulley is a simple machine that makes our daily tasks easier by allowing us to lift heavy objects with less effort. It consists of a wheel with a groove where a rope or cable can run and change the direction of the force applied. This enables us to lift things by pulling downwards instead of upwards, reducing the amount of strength needed.

• Kids will get a kick out of moving toys from downstairs to upstairs using this Banister Pulley from Hands on As We Grow
• Kids are sure to be impressed by this working elevator model that explores pulleys from How to Adult
• Pulley Experiment for Kids from 123 Homeschool 4 Me uses common household items like cans to make a fun-to-try simple machine
• Simple and to the point Movable Pulley with Paper Clips from Carrots are Orange
• This epic PVC Pipe Pulley from Little Bins for Little Hands is big in size, not in cost or difficulty to make!
• Rolling Pin Pulley from Kids Activities Blog shows us that you don’t need anything fancy to make simple machines work
• This DIY Muscle Machine from KiwiCo is a fascinating project using pulleys.
• Lego Zipline this is such a fun and educational project to explore pulleys with kids
• This easy to make pulley and lever board from Inspiration Labratories is the perfect introductory project to do indoors with kids of all ages!

Simple Machines Inclined Planes

An inclined plane is a simple yet powerful tool that allows us to easily move objects from one place to another. It is essentially a flat surface that is tilted at an angle, which reduces the amount of force needed to move an object up or down. Think of a ramp or a staircase – both are examples of inclined planes that make our lives easier by helping us transport heavy objects with less effort.

• Simple machines and art collide in this fun Inclined Planes Art from Strong Start
• Explore the usefulness of Inclined Planes  in this “Egg”speriment from 123 Homeschool 4 Me
• Using Marbles to Experiment with Forces from Inclined Planes from The Techy Teacher turns discovering inclined planes into a game. Ready. Set. Learn!
• Make science come alive for kids with this Straw Roller coaster from Frugal Fun 4 Boys that explores inclined planes with kids!
• Candy Simple Machines Project
• Pool Noodle Race Track helps kids experiment with simple machines while having fun with hot wheels
• Build a paper roller coaster to experiment with not only inclined planes but kinetic and potential energy from Science Buddies

Simple Machines Wedge

A wedge is a versatile tool with a wide range of uses! It can be a simple triangular piece of material, such as wood or metal, that is used to split, lift, or hold things in place. In golf, a wedge is a type of club used for short-distance shots. In cooking, a wedge can refer to a piece of a fruit or vegetable cut into a wedge shape for serving or garnishing.

• Wedges and Screw Simple Machine  Lesson for children
• Don’t overthink it, cut play-dough like Modern Preschool
• Hammer nails or golf tees like this simple activity from Happy Brown House
• Use scissors with our free cutting practice worksheets

Simple Machines Screw

A screw is a simple machine that we often take for granted but plays a crucial role in our everyday lives. From holding things together to lifting heavy objects, screws are a staple in virtually every industry. They may be small, but they are mighty!

• Archimedes Screw Exploration from High Hill Education is a simple project using a plastic bottle that showcases how this invention made hundreds of years ago was able to move material.
• Nails vs. Screws from 123 Homeschool 4 Me gives an explanation and practical hands on activities kids can do to explore the why we use screws instead of nails
• Nuts, Bults & Screw Sculptures from Preschool Powol Packets is less about learning and more about discover and observation
• Build an Archimedes Screw from Science Buddies contains a video, supply list, and step-by-step instructions

Simple Machines at Home

Combine what you’ve learned to make these complex machines that use more than one simple machine:

• DIY Wheel barrow from How to Funda helps students build a machine that uses a lever, wheel and axle, and inclined plane.
• Get inspired with several easy simple machine projects from Mrs. Meyers Kindergarten
• Use cardboard to put together this project from Instructables that uses all 6 simple machines
• Demonstarte what you’ve learned about simple machines by putting all together with this project from HowtoFunda

Simple Machine Worksheets

• I Spy Simple Machine Activities is a free printable that not only teaches about simple machines, but gives instructions for a fun simple machines scavenger hunt too!
• MATCH Simple Machines Game
• Free What is Simple Machines printable to fold into a clever booklet
• Simple Machine Worksheet pack for students

Simple Machines Projects

Over 50 Simple Machine Projects for students of all ages to try using things around the house! This makes learning about simple machines for kids a blast! Your hardest choice is which one of these hands-on science projects to try first!

Lots of EPIC Simple Machine Projects for students to make using things around the house! Learn about simple machines for kids – levers, plleys, inclinned plane, wheel & axel, wedges, and screw.