Simple Machines Pathfinder

Topic: Force, Motion, and Energy - 3rd Grade Teaching Team

SOL 3.2: The student will investigate and understand simple machines and their
uses. Key concepts include
a) purpose and function of simple machines;
b) types of simple machines;
c) compound machines; and
d) examples of simple and compound machines found in the school, home, and work
environments.
(Virginia Department of Education. (2003). 3rd Grade Science Curriculum Framework. Retrieved from
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/science/2003/index.shtml. )

Introduction: This pathfinder was created so that the students would have resources that they
could easily access to further their understanding of simple machines and how they are used in
our world. It was determined by the Hutchison Elementary administration team using the
2017 3rd grade Science SOL that this was one of the areas that most of their students showed
weakness in understanding. With a high concentration of English language learners, the hope
is that in using this pathfinder, the new group of students will become more familiar with this
topic.
The student will understand that a simple machines function is to make doing work easier.
The 6 types of simple machines are levers, pulleys, wedge, inclined plane, wheel and axle, and
screw. A compound machine is a combination of two or more simple machines. Some
examples of compound machines are scissors, wheelbarrow, and bicycle. Students will also be
able to identify simple and compound machines in their world.

Collaboration: The pathfinder will be utilized by the STEAM teacher, Art Teacher, Librarian,
and the third grade team members to ensure that students are understanding the concept of
simple machines across the curriculum as they complete project based learning activities.
As the librarian, my responsibility will be to provide the resources necessary for students to
undertake their class projects. The librarian will also teach proper researching and
information literacy skills as they relate to their projects.

Impact on Student Learning: The collaborative teaching team believes that students will have
a better understanding of simple machines due to their increased collaboration efforts.
Students will score higher in their understanding of this science content material when they
take their Science SOL in the spring.

List of Formats and Rationale:

Database Databases will give students the opportunity to locate articles
appropriate to the reading level on the topic. They will also be
able to listen to the article if need be. Articles are also cited for
them.
These are online and accessible through LCPS.GO or the school
online learning commons.

Dictionary The dictionary provides students with a resource to define

unfamiliar terms or learn the proper pronunciation to increase
their vocabulary.
There is an online dictionary available through the link or the
library/classroom have paper copies.

Encyclopedia Encyclopedias are a compendium of factual information on a

given topic.
There are online encyclopedias accessible via the links provided
and there is a paper copy in the reference section in the library.

Library Catalog The library catalogs of both the school and public libraries allow
student access to books across the schools and public libraries.
These can be checked out using the student id and/or in the
instance of the public library, using a library card.
Both catalogs are accessible online via the links provided.

Ready Reference The ready reference materials provided information and

illustrations that include captions to give a more visual
background to the student in their area of interest.
They are paper copies that can be checked out for a night or
viewed in the school library.

Websites The websites provide access to information on the topic of simple

machines.
Links are provided to the websites for students to use.

Student Introduction: We are about to embark upon a real adventure...walk like an Egyptian
and all that! What does that have to do with Simple Machines? Why,
everything! Do you know want to know how they put the pyramids
together? Simple Machines!! This pathfinder will help you unearth
everything that you need to know about simple and compound
machines as well as how we use them today to do work. Yes, work!
Now, lets get TO work!
(Illustration. Retrieved from https://dogfoose.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/18-simple-machines.jpg on 7/14/17. )

Databases:
(Can all be accessed via LCPS.GO or the school online learning commons.)
1. Explora Primary Schools:
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?authtype=ip%2cuid&profile=ehk5
2. Gale Kids Infobits:
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/start.do?p=ITKE&u=tlc209178764&authCount=1
3. National Geographic Kids: http://galeauth.galegroup.com/
4. Pebble Go!: https://www.pebblego.com/

Dictionaries:
1. www.dictionary.com
This is an online dictionary that students can use.
2. Merriam-Websters Visual Dictionary, 2nd ed. (2012). Springfield,
Massachusetts: Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Illustrated words with their definition and captions to offer further explanation or
description. Must look up simple machines by individual names.

Encyclopedias:
1. Scholastic Go! (formerly Grolier Online): http://go-
elem.grolier.com/sframe
Provides lexiled encyclopedic information for elementary, middle, and
high school. Vocabulary is highlighted and when the cursor runs over it, it is
defined. Citations are at the bottom of the page in APA, MLA, and Chicago. Further readings
are also indicated for more in-depth research. There is a dictionary, thesaurus, and timeline
component as well.
2. Brittanica School Elementary: http://school.eb.com/levels/elementary
Provides lexiled encyclopedic information for the elementary school student (1) and
the middle school student (2,3). A teacher can also view the target SOL for an article and
Lesson Plan Experiments. Provides primary source & e-book information. Provides images
that can be used as long as they are cited. Videos. Online training and tutorials for teachers for
this program.
3. Brittannica ImageQuest: http://quest.eb.com/search/simple-
machines/1/139_1911833/Simple-Machines/more
Provides images that have captions and are cited.

Library Catalog:
Specific Simple Machines
Bailey, Gerry. (2014). Pressing Down, The Lever. (The Robotz Get Help from Simple
Machines). St. Catherines, ON: Crabtree.
Bailey, Gerry. (2014). Pulling Up: The Pulley. (The Robotz Get Help from Simple Machines). St.
Catherines, ON: Crabtree.
Bailey, Gerry. (2014). Rolling Along: The Wheel and Axle. (The Robotz Get Help from Simple
Machines). St. Catherines, ON: Crabtree.
Bailey, Gerry. (2014). Sloping Up and Down: The Inclined Plane. (The Robotz Get Help from
Simple Machines). St. Catherines, ON: Crabtree.
Bailey, Gerry. (2014). Splitting Apart: The Wedge. (The Robotz Get Help from Simple
Machines). St. Catherines, ON: Crabtree.
Bailey, Gerry. (2014). Winding Around: The Screw. (The Robotz Get Help from Simple
Machines). St. Catherines, ON: Crabtree.
Wheatland, Mark. (2016). Fred Flintstone Explains Simple Machines series.
General
Doudna, Kelly. (2015). The Kids Book of Simple Machines: Cool Projects & Activities that
Make Science Fun. Minnesota: Mighty Media Kids.
Simple machines -- What you need -- What is a lever? -- What is an inclined plane? --
What is a wedge? -- What is a screw? -- What is a wheel and axle? -- What is a pulley? -- Put it
all together. Includes index. (Loudoun County Public Library)
Gifford, Clive, Kennedy, Susan, & Parker, Phillip. (2017). Science Year by Year. New York: DK
Publishing.
Packed with fascinating discoveries and facts, this visual reference takes kids on a
fantastic journey through time, from stone tools and simple machines to space travel and
robots. (Loudoun County Public Library)
Fetzner, Mary. (2000), The Three Pigs and the Scientific Wolf. Pieces of Learning.
Once upon a time there were 3 little girl pigs plagued by the tricky wolf, but this was
not an ordinary wolf. Oh no, this wolf knows about Science and Simple Machines! The question
is - does he know how to use them correctly? (Amazon)
Law, Felicia. (2015). Stone Age Science: Simple Machines. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Leo teaches his cat Pallas all about simple machines by applying his knowledge of
science to their stone age world. Engaging illustrations and stories provide a fun introduction
to science concepts, including wheel and axles, levers, pulleys, wedges, screws, and more.
Information boxes accompany each story to explore real applications of simple machines in
the natural and designed world. (Loudoun County Public Library)
Macauley, David. (2015). How Machines Work: Zoo Break!.
Follow the mad antics of Sloth and his sidekick Sengi as they try to find their way out
of the zoo with the help of machines. Their efforts are brought to life through novelty elements
including pop-ups, pull-outs, and lift-the-flaps, allowing readers to explore in greater depth
how and why machines work. Spreads highlight the use of simple machines in everyday
objects, such as scissors and clocks, mixers and whisks, bikes and brakes, while the story
contains clear and simple text to engage the reader. (Loudoun County Public Library catalog)

Mayer, Lynne. (2013). Newton and Me. Mount Pleasant, South Carolina: Sylvan Dell
Publishing.
While at play with his dog, Newton, a young boy discovers the laws of force and
motion in his everyday activities. Told in rhyme, Lynne Mayer s Newton and Me follows these
best friends on an adventure as they apply physics to throwing a ball, pulling a wagon, riding a
bike, and much more. They will realize that Newton s Laws of Motion describe experiences
they have every day, and they will recognize how forces affect the objects around them. The
For Creative Minds educational section includes: Force and Motion Fun Facts, Matching Forces,
Who Was Newton?, and Newton s Laws of Motion (2 of 3). Additional teaching activities and
interactive quizzes are available on the Sylvan Dell Publishing website. (Amazon)
Ward, D.J. (2015). Lets Read to Find Out: Simple Machines. New York: Harper, an imprint of
HarperCollins Publishers.
"Machines help make work easier, like when you need to lift something heavy or reach
way up high. There are six simple machines: the lever, the wheel and axle, the pulley, the ramp,
the wedge, and the screw. Can you adjust a seesaw to lift an elephant? What happens when you
combine two or more simple machines? Read and find out!" (Amazon website).
Gollon, Matilda. (2014). The Science Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained. London, England: DK
Publishing.
The Science Book is an inventive visual take on astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, and
physics. With eye-catching artwork, step-by-step diagrams, and illustrations that break down
complicated ideas into manageable concepts, The Science Book will have readers conversant in
genetic engineering, black holes, and global warming in no time. Along the way are found mini-
biographies of the most well-known scientists, and a glossary of helpful scientific terms. (Library
of Congress)
Guanaccia, Steven. (2010). The Three Little Pigs: An Architectural Tale. New York: Abrams
Publishing.
In this retelling of the classic tale, the three little pigs build homes inspired by the
signature houses of famed architects Frank Gehry, Phillip Johnson, and Frank Lloyd Wright,
and fill the interiors with furnishings by renowned designers, piquing the interest of a certain
evil wolf. (Library of Congress)
Hopkinson, D. (2012). The Sky Boys: How They Built the Empire State Building. New York:
Dragonfly Books.
In 1931, a boy and his father watch as the world's tallest building, the Empire State
Building, is constructed, step-by-step, near their Manhattan home. (Library of Congress)
Ready Reference:
1. Gollon, M. (2014). The Science Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained.
London, England: DK Publishing.
Everything science explained using illustrations.
 2. New York Public Library Desk Reference, 4th ed. (2002). New York: Hyperion.
Contains a section on Physics vocabulary, basic formulas and the Laws
of Physics.
2. Knight, J. (2012). Science of Everyday Things. Detroit: Gale Group-Thomson
Learning.
Volume 2 of Real Life Physics series. Locate information on simple machines.

Websites:
1. BrainPOP. (2017). Retrieved from
https://www.brainpop.com/games/simplemachines/.
Award winning website with videos, worksheets, games, and lesson
plans. Some of the topics are: wheel and axle, gears, inclined plane,
levers, pulley, work, assembly line, power, and hydraulics.
2. Science Trek. (2017). Idaho Public Television. Retrieved from
http://idahoptv.org/sciencetrek/topics/simple_machines/facts.cfm .
Games and teacher resources available.
3. Easy Science for Kids. (2017). Retrieved from http://easyscienceforkids.com/all-about-
simple-machines/ .
Free online resource containing worksheets and videos.
4. Nelson, Ken. (2017). Ducksters Education Site. Technological Solutions, Inc. (TSI).
Retrieved from http://www.ducksters.com/science/simple_machines.php .
Basic information on all six simple machines and real world applications of them.
Shares a listing of interesting facts.
5. Museum of Science and Industry: Chicago. (2017). Simple Machines Online Game.
Retrieved from http://www.msichicago.org/.
Online game where students use a simple machine to complete a task.
6. High Touch Entertainment. (2017). Science Made Fun-Online Quiz. Retrieved from
http://www.sciencemadefunkids.net/orbit/index_play2.cfm?bg=2&gm=1&ID=4.
Online quiz where students answer questions related to simple machines and fill a
beaker of liquid. Also has jokes and online games related to science.
7. VEX Robotics. (2017). The Six Types of Simple Machines. VEX Robotics, Inc. Retrieved
from https://www.vexrobotics.com/vexiq/education/iq-curriculum/simple-machines-
and-motion/six-types-of-simple-machines.
Names and illustrations of the 6 simple machines are listed with definitions. Also gives
information on modern uses of the simple machine.

Cite Your Sources!:

If you didnt think or write it, then you have to cite it! You will find
that the following resources will help you to give credit to those that
thought and wrote information that you found during your research.
Dont forget that you also need to cite your pictures, if they are not your own.
1. EasyBib @ http://www.easybib.com/
Can generate a bibliography in APA, MLA 7 or 8, and Chicago for a variety of resources.
Contains ads.
2. BibMe @ http://www.bibme.org/
Can automatically generate a bibliography through blank fill-ins. Contains ads.
3. Kathy Schrocks Guide to Everything: chrome-
extension://cbnaodkpfinfiipjblikofhlhlcickei/src/pdfviewer/web/viewer.html?file=http://ww
w.schrockguide.net/uploads/3/9/2/2/392267/workscited_1_6.pdf
This is a manual for students with specific examples of each type of reference material that
should be cited.
4. Son of Citation Machine: http://www.citationmachine.net/
Kid-friendly bibliographic generator with fill-ins for them to complete. Contains ads.