Mariko Shiozawa

Lesson title: Lesson 6: Creating Simple

Grade: Year 2
Duration: 40mins
machines
KLA (substrand)
Science (Physical world)
Outcome: ST1-7PW- ACSSU033, ST1-5WT (NSW BOS, 2012)
PD/H/PE (Interacting)
Outcome INS1.3 (NSW BOS, 2007)
(See appendix A for further details)
Prior Learning and Rationale:
Students have been introduced to the unit of work Simple Machines in previous lessons and
should have a well-rounded understanding of what machines consist of and also recognise that
levers, wheels and axle, and pulleys are examples of simple machines. Therefore, this lesson
will build on the students understanding of simple machines and recognise and explore how
levers, pulleys and wheel and axles can be used to create a machine to solve their problem, of
transporting the heavy water bucket from the tap to the garden .
Objectives:
Students will work collaboratively to create the class compound machine by distributing
roles and using their communication skills to work efficiently to create their design
Students will develop a strong understanding of basic simple machines by engaging in
hands on exploration of levers, wheels and axles, and pulleys
Students will investigate whether their machine can solve the class problem by testing out their
creation
Key Scientific Knowledge: See Appendix B
Resources and Equipment
Classroom organisation:
Interactive whiteboard
Students sitting on the floor during brainstorm and
Science books
design decision
A3 sheet of paper
Students are split into 3 groups- levers, wheels and
Pencils
axle, and pulleys and these 3 groups will create
Rubbers
their own component of the final machine
Wooden plank
Students come together to build the machine
Fulcrum- triangle wooden piece
Students go outside to transport the bucket from
Ropes
the tap to the garden
Pulleys
Small rubber wheels with axis
Planks of wood
Nails
Hammer
Lesson Development:
Planning: Drawing on the previous lesson, the students will test out their final designs.
Create: Students will work collaboratively in their small groups from previous lesson to create
their machines by distributing roles and using their communication skills to work efficiently to
create their design. Students are split into 3 groups- levers, wheels and axle, and pulleys and
these 3 groups will create their own component of the final machine. Students come together to
build a compound machine, which will incorporate all components (levers, wheels and axle and
pulleys). The teacher will support the process of creating the machine. Once the machine is
finalised students will go outside to test transporting the bucket from the tap to the garden and
explain the process to their peers. Students may need to tweak a few aspects and try again.
Reflection: Students will come back together as a whole class and reflect on what they have
learnt and have a discussion about each component of the machine. Students will draw their
final design in their science books with labels to identify each aspect eg. lever to lift, wheels for
movement, pulley to lift

Mariko Shiozawa
Support:
Students are working in small
groups and as a whole group,
which supports peer learning
and teaching opportunities

Extension:
Use the class compound machine to complete
different tasks. eg. transporting other objects
Test out how much weight the compound machine
can hold
Add and learn about other simple machine
components eg.wedge, gears, inclined planes

Appendix A:
KLA:
Outcomes & Indicators
Science:
ST1-7PW- describes effects of pushes and pulls on objects they encounter
ACSSU033 A push or a pull affects how an object moves or changes shape.
describe the effects of pushes and pulls on familiar objects, including
moving, stopping and changing direction, changing shape or breaking
explore how different strengths of pushes and pulls affect the
movement of objects on land and through water and air
ST1-5WT- uses a structured design process, everyday tools, materials,
equipment and techniques to produce solutions that respond to identified
needs and wants Students generate and develop ideas by:
exploring different materials by observing and manipulating them and
using trial-and-error
using techniques for documenting and communicating design ideas,
including simple plans,
drawings and models, using familiar materials
describing the features of design ideas and the materials they select
using the results of investigations to refine design ideas
PD/H/PE:
INS1.3: Develops positive relationships with peers and other people
Displays cooperation in group activities
interacts with other students and adults

Mariko Shiozawa

Appendix B:
Key Scientific Knowledge:
Simple Machines

A simple machine is a single machine that can help people apply more power
without having to use a lot of force - such as using a level to lift something
heavy. (Marulcu & Barnett, 2013).
Simple machines have few or no moving parts, that are used to make work
easier (Silverman, 2009)
There are several different types of simple machines; some of these include,
levers, pulleys and wheel and axis (Silverman, 2009).

Lessons:
1, 2, 3, 4,
5, 6

A lever is a simple machine used to lift, cut, or open objects.

They are often used to pry things up or lift heavy objects (Dotger, 2008).
The parts of a lever include a Straight rod or arm that pivots on a point called
a fulcrum, a load and an effort (or force) (Silverman, 2009).
A lever consists of a straight arm that moves up and down and has a
tilt/inclination at a particular point. When force (Effort) is applied to one side
of the lever by pushing or pulling, the object (load) (Silverman, 2009)

Lessons:
2, 5, 6

Lever

Pulley

A pulley is a simple machine used to lift heavy objects

Pulleys are made from a suspended wheel with a rope threaded through. One
end of the rope is attached to the object needing to be lifted while the other
end has force applied to it (Norbury, 2006).
The weight of the object is attached to one end of the rope and pulling the
other end applies force to the system. This creates tension which lifts the
object (Norbury, 2006).
The number of pulleys in the pulley system can minimise the force needed to
lift the object but the rope will need to be pulled further (Norbury, 2006).

Lessons:
3, 5, 6

Wheel and axle

Wheel and axle are a type of simple machine (Silverman, 2009).

A wheel and axis turn together when a force is applied to the wheel or the
axis.They will both move together (Silverman, 2009).
A wheel and axis turns a small force into a large force (Silverman, 2009).
A wheel and axis increase the distance that is travelled (Silverman, 2009).
Many everyday objects are wheel and axis simple machines e.g. rolling pin,
windmill, tap handle, bicycle (Silverman, 2009).

Compound Machine

Lessons:
4, 5, 6

Mariko Shiozawa

Compound machine is a machine that consists of two or more simple

machines working together (Silverman, 2000)
Reference List
Dotger, S. (2008). Using simple machines to leverage learning. Science and
children, 45(7), 22-27. Retrieved from:
http://search.proquest.com.simsrad.net.ocs.mq.edu.au/docview/61954
263?accountid=12219
New South Wales Board of Studies [NSW, BOS]. 2007. Personal
development, health and physical education K-6. Sydney, Australia.
New South Wales Board of Studies [NSW, BOS]. 2012. Science K-10
(Incorporating science and technology K-6) Syllabus. Sydney,
Australia.
Silverman, B. (2009). Do it yourself: Simple machine forces in action.
Capstone Global Library Limited.

Lessons:
5, 6