If you are working on teaching simple machines for kids, you will love these handy free printable simple machines booklet. The mini book containes information on what are 6 simple machines including pictures of simple machines and information about the lever, wedge, screw, pulley, inclined plane, and wheel and axle. This quick simple machine activity also includes 6 simple machines examples which is a great way to help kindergarten, first grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and 4th graders learn about these common, useful inventions.
Simple Machines Booklet
Calling all parents and teachers! Are you looking for a fun and educational way to teach kids about simple machines? Check out our FREE printable booklet that covers the basics of 6 simple machines – complete with pictures and examples. This simple machines for kids project is perfect for elementary age students from kindergartners, grade 1, grade 2, grade 3, and grade 4 students. Get ready to dive into the world of levers, wedges, screws, pulleys, inclined planes, and wheel and axles! Let’s make learning about science exciting and engaging for our little learners. Whether you are a parent, teacher, or homeschooler you will love using this resources in your simple machine unit, as a pocket guide, with a simple machines scavenger hunt, or as a science reader for kids.
Plus don’t miss learning about simple machines for kids with projects, free simple machines worksheets pdf, and i spy simple machines activity.
Simple machines worksheet
Start by scrolling to the bottom of the post, under the terms of use, and click on the text link that says >> _____ <<. The simple machines printables pdf file will open in a new window for you to save the freebie.
What are 6 simple machines
A simple machine for kids is a device that makes work easier by using basic principles of physics. Some examples include pulleys, levers, inclined planes, and wheels and axles. These machines can be found in everyday objects like playground equipment, tools, and even household items. Learning about simple machines is a fun way for kids to understand how things work and make connections to the world around them.
6 simple machine examples
Did you know there are 6 simple machines that make up the basis of all complex machines around us? Here are some examples to help you understand them better:
- Lever: A seesaw is a great example of a lever, where a pivot point helps move a load with less effort.
- Wheel and axle: A bicycle is a perfect example of this combination, where a wheel rotates around an axle to help us move efficiently.
- Pulley: Think of curtains being pulled up using a pulley system – that’s a simple machine at work!
- Inclined plane: A ramp is a classic example of an inclined plane, making it easier to move heavy items up or down.
- Wedge: A knife is a sharp example of a wedge, splitting things apart with ease.
- Screw: Screws used in everyday items like phones or furniture are great examples of this simple machine, helping hold things together tightly.
Simple machines for Kids
This simple to make mini book with help introduce or reinforce the six simple machines.
- Pulley is a simple machine with one or more grooved wheels connected by a rope. Examples include: flagpole, window blinds, sails on a ship, etc.
- Wheel and axle is a moveabl simple machine centered on a fix point. Examples inclue: car wheel, ferris, wheel, door knob, steering wheel, etc.
- Inclined Plane is a flat surface with one edge raised highter than the other. Examples include: skate board ramp, car ramp, wheelchair ramp, etc.
- Screw is a specialized simple machine that is used to raise and lower things as well as hold things together. Examples include: screw, bottle lid, drill, etc.
- Wedge is an inclined plane that is thick at one end and tapers to a point on the other, often used to seperate things. Examples include: scissors, door stop, boat, etc.
- Lever bar used for raising or moving weights centered on a fulcrum. Examples include: seesaw, scale, oars, door handle, wheelbarrow.
To make each book all you need is to print one page in black and white. Kids can color in the simple machines throughout the book if they like. It is then cleverly folded to make a pocket size mini book.
Pictures of simple machines
The simple machine mini book includes:
- what the 6 simple machines are
- a picture of each simple machine to help kids visualize it
- a definition of each simple machine
- examples of all 6 simple machines
- review of the 6 simple machines
Different types of simple machines
Take a peak at how to make this simple, printable mini book and what’s inside in this short video.
Simple Machine Projects
- Free Printable Simple Machines Coloring Pages or these coloring simple machines activities
- Inclined Planes for kids – explanation, activities, and resources
- Wheel and Axle for kids lesson with projects and other fun ideas
- Gears for Kids filled with lots of hands on activities
- Wedges and Screw Simple Machine Lesson for children
- Levers and Pulleys lesson for students
- I Spy simple machines for kids
- MATCH – Simple Machines Game
- 30 Simple Machines for Kids Projects
- Free Simple Machines Worksheet to fold into a clever booklet
- Candy Simple Machines Project
- Pulley Experiment from recycled materials
Kids Activities
- Edible Peanut Butter Playdough, fun Shape Recognition Activity for kids, rainbow Painting with Cars, fun grass head Summer Activity for Kids, free printable Lego Activities for Kids
- Silly Bouncy Egg, fun-to-make DIY Foosball Table, easy Sand Volcano, mind-blowing Magnetic Slime, strawberry scented Jello Playdough Recipe, silly Snake Bubbles
- Beautiful Capillary Action Experiment, Puffy Paint Recipes and Projects for Kids, Kool Aid Watermelon Playdough, LOTS of Fun Sidewalk Chalk Games
- 75+ Free Printable Scavenger Hunts for Kids, scented Watermelon Playdough recipe, EASY Pool Noodle Race Track for kids, Baking Soda Clay, amazing Baking Soda Slime
- Edible Peanut Butter Playdough, 30 Homemade Bird Feeders to make, Pop rocks and soda experiment, EPIC Water Balloon Painting Activities, marshmallow Edible Paint
- Simple Popsicle Stick Catapult project for kids, 100+ Zoo Animal Crafts, Ice Boat Races Summer STEM, easy Marshmallow Shooter, vibrant Sidewalk Chalk Paint
- 25+ Water Balloon Games for Summer fun, epic Squirt Gun Painting. Van Gogh Starry Night Aluminum Foil Art Project, printable would you rather questions for kids
- Free mazes for kids
- Our favorite 2 ingredient slime is great for any time of the year!
Simple machines pdf
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- This set is for personal and classroom use only.
- This printable set may not be sold, hosted, reproduced, or stored on any other website or electronic retrieval system.
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Beth,
Thank you for sharing this great little book. During our preschool summer camp we are lucky to have an engineer come in once a week and introduce children to simple machines. The engineer and his company donate his time and your book will be a fun and educational addition to our enrichment program:)
How fun! So glad we could help =)
Thank you for this free resource! My kids are gonna love this cute pocket book. I teach at a small (11 students) non profit nature school (K-4 currently) where money is tight or non existent. I’m just starting a unit on simple machines and this is PERFECT!!
So glad we were able to help! we have TONS more resources – hopefully we can help you again really soon
Thank you Beth! We are on lockdown in the UK at the moment and my 8 year old really wants to use the extra time at home to learn more about engineering. We are going to use this book alongside some of the activities you’ve posted on your blog.
Thank you for this booklet. It is perfect for the engineering badge for Girl Scouts.
When I scroll to the bottom of the page to find the link, it says bossy e worksheets. I cannot find the link to the simple machines. I could be overlooking it though. Thanks
All fixed =)