A few months ago, I wrote an article on the outdoor environment and its importance in the life of a child.  In the article I highlighted how the Montessori cultural studies introduce the young child to the scientific subjects of Botany and Zoology through the study of plants and animals.  The Montessori materials set a wonderful foundation for the development of the child’s scientific mind!  Maria Montessori stated,

“Through machinery, man can exert tremendous powers almost as fantastic as if he were the hero of a fairy tale. Through machinery, man can travel with an ever-increasing velocity; he can fly through the air and go beneath the surface of the ocean.” 

After reading that quote, I thought why not introduce children to simple machines and how they are used in our world?  I have added a “mechanical science” study to our classroom cultural area.  We begin by introducing the children to six simple machines, allowing them opportunities to use them and even make some!

This summer I have been given the opportunity to work with children in our community through a Summer Learning Camp that is free for children kindergarten through 2nd grade.  My role is to work with two other educators introducing and reinforcing simple science subjects.  One study that I have been working on and developing is the introduction of mechanical science to children by introducing them to simple machines. 

It has been a joy to watch these young minds being fascinated with hands on learning!

We began our study of simple machines with books and a short You tube video, continuing with some simple hands on experimentation for the children.  Maria Montessori introduced subjects by beginning with stories in books,

“Travel stories teach geography; insect stories lead the child into natural science; and so on. The teacher, in short, can use reading to introduce her pupils to the most varied subjects; and the moment they have been thus started, they can go on to any limit guided by the single passion for reading.”

I created a small booklet to introduce the subject to the children followed up with a nomenclature card presentation and hands on experiences with simple machines.  The children loved this study!

There are many short video clips for children to introduce simple machines.  You might want to start with, “Let’s Have Fun with Simple Machines,” created by Planet Nutshell or “Learning About Simple Machines II” by Learning Junction.  Each video clip is free and is around two minutes. 

The simple mechanics that we introduced were:  The Lever, Inclined Plane, Wedge, A Screw, A Pulley and A Wheel.  While working on this study for the classroom, I have obtained a lot of resources for the classroom.

We kept our definitions short:

1)  A lever-a bar that that turns on a fixed point.  The fixed point is called the fulcrum.  Just think of a seesaw! 

2)  A screw-is a spiral wrapped around a post and when you turn it, it can put two objects together.  A simple screw is a bottle cap!  The cap is the screw!

3)  A wheel and axle – it is made up of a wheel connected to an axle and when the wheel turns it turns the axle with it.  Have you ever pulled a wagon with wheels or rode a bicycle?

4)  A wedge – is a pair of inclined planes attached back to back.  A wedge is used to force things apart.  Chopping wood with an ax is using a wedge or a chisel. 

5)  A pulley – is a wheel that is used with a cord or rope.  When you pull it downward, the other end lifts upward.  Hoisting a flag up a flag pole is using a pulley.

6)  An inclined plane – is a flat, slanted surface that works like a ramp.  Ramps are used to load things easier in a truck or think of a hot wheels ramp to speed up small toy cars.

As you introduce each simple machine, bring one in for the children to touch, view, inspect and experiment with.  It is really a fun and interesting study to share with your children.   Hope you are considering presenting the six simple machines to your students.