Simple

Machines

 
Armentrout, David and Patricia Armentrout. A Pulley (How Can I Experiment With Simple Machines?) Rourke Publishing (August 1, 2003)

ISBN: 1589525957
Ages 9-12
The books in the "How Can I Experiment With . . . "series offer brief overviews of a topic like simple machines, and then present a more narrowly focused look through explanation, experimentation, and observation. In Inclined Plane, for example, the topic is discussed in terms of furniture movers using a ramp. Then four two-page spreads offer simple activities using equipment such as a bench, a string, a toy car, and a piece of cardboard. The final spread mentions various types of inclined planes that children might see, from a sledding hill to a slide to an escalator. Though readers are unlikely to grasp all the concepts in the beginning explanation, the activities offer good, easy ways to experiment and learn. Similarly, Pulley discusses simple machines and mentions types of pulleys, then shows children carrying out four activities with homemade pulleys. Each page of large-type text faces a big, colorful photograph. The photos of children have a staged quality, but they clearly illustrate the activities mentioned in the text. Carolyn Phelan Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved--

Dahl, Michael. Wheels and Axles (Simple Machines). Capstone Press (March 1, 1999)

ISBN: 1560654465
Ages 4-8
Describes many different kinds, uses, and benefits of wheels and axles.

Glover, David. Levers (Glover, David, Simple Machines.) Heinemann (June 1, 1997)

ISBN: 1575720809
Ages 4-8
Introduces the principles of levers as simple machines, using examples from everyday life.

Also by David Glover: Pulleys and Gears
ISBN: 1575720841
Introduces the principles of pulleys and gears as simple machines, using examples from everyday life.

Ramps and Wedges
ISBN: 1575720833 Uses a variety of examples, from scissors and axes to zippers and hairpin turns, to demonstrate the power of the inclined plane and show how ramps and wedges make work and play easier.

Screws
ISBN: 157572085X
Introduces the principles of screws as simple machines, using examples from everyday life.

Springs
ISBN: 1575720825
Introduces the principles of springs as simple machines, using examples from everyday life.

James, Elizabeth. The Simple Facts of Simple Machines. Lothrop Lee & Shepard (February 1, 1975)

ISBN: 0688416853

Describes the simple machines--lever, pulley, wedge, screw, inclined plane, and wheel and axle--and explains how they are utilized to make work easier.

Mason, Adrienne, and Deborah Hodge. Simple Machines (Starting With Science).
The Ontario Science Centre Publisher: Kids Can Press (March 1, 2000)

ISBN: 1550743996
Ages 4-8
Using primary background colors and attractive, enthusiastic children as models, the format of this series is spacious and packs visual punch. Each book contains 13 experiments that are clearly explained in the full-color photographs and step-by-step directions. The texts are set in blocks that list the materials needed, the methodology, and an explanation of the principle shown. In Simple Machines, the lever, wheel, wheel and axle, gears, pulleys, inclined plane, screw, and combinations of basic machines are explored. In general, safety precautions are indicated in the text or illustrated in the photographs. Expansions of each activity are included in an appendix.

Merrell, Joann. Simple Machines (Hands-On Minds-On Science Series). Teacher Created Materials; Teacher edition (June 1, 1994)

ISBN: 1557346445
Ages 7-12
This book is full of hands-on activities. Valuable teacher information about the scientific method, science-process skills, unit organization, and curriculum connections is provided as well as background information for each group of activities. Also available in Spanish as TCM833.

St. Andre, Ralph E. Simple Machines Made Simple. Teacher Ideas Press (November 15, 1993)

ISBN: 1563081040
This book allows you to present scientific principles and simple mechanics through hands-on cooperative learning activities. Using inexpensive materials (e.g., tape, paper clips), students build simple machines-such as levers, pulleys, spring scales, gears, wheels and axles, windmills, and wedges-that demonstrate how things work. Activities have easy-to-locate materials lists, time requirements, and step-by-step directions (usually illustrated) on presentation. Ideas for bulletin boards, learning centers, and computer-assisted instruction are an added bonus.

Tocci, Salvatore. Experiments With Simple Machines (True Books). Children's Press (CT) (September 1, 2003)

ISBN: 0516274686
Ages 9-12
These books from the True Book series use a good-size font and are illustrated with clear photos and colorful pictures. Simple Machines begins with an outlandish Rube Goldberg device, which "uses simple machines to make a simple task much more complicated." From this engaging introduction, Tocci moves on to a series of discussions of simple machines in the home and activities using readily available materials to demonstrate the effectiveness and power of these devices. Each book ends with brief lists of additional readings, organizations, and Internet sites as well as a glossary. Good sources of simple science experiments. Carolyn PhelanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved--