Simple Machines

I apologize for having such a long time in between blog posts.  I have been too busy and I need to make more time to blog.

So...here is a quick update on our study of Simple Machines:

We have been focusing on learning about 3 simple machines: lever, incline plane, and pulley.  Some of the ways we have been studying include:

• reading books about these simple machines
• writing in our simple machine journals about what we are learning
• watching videos illustrating how simple machines working
• performing experiments in the class using each simple machine

One of our favorite ways to learn has been singing our simple machine song.  I have included the lyrics here so your child can sing it to you.
CHORUS: 
Simple machines are all around us,
And they help to get work done.
Reducing the force to life and move things
Let's sing a verse about each one.

Had a lever, with a fulcrum
And I pushed down on one end
Dug some dirt up with my shovel
Rode a seasaw with a friend.

CHORUS

Had a pulley with a grooved wheel
And a rope went round and round
Lifted cars up on a tow truck
Pulled a flag up from the ground.

CHORUS

Had a ramp that slanted upward,
And I called it an incline plane
Rode an escalator to the top floor
Rode a slide with my friend Jane.

CHORUS

Here are a couple of good websites to visit that have games and other activities relating to simple machines.  Enjoy!
http://edheads.org/activities/simple-machines/index.htm
http://www.mos.org/sln/leonardo/inventorstoolbox.html