Simple Machines Complete Lesson Plan - MS

Everything you need for an engaging, ready-to-teach unit on simple machines is here! Students will explore how simple machines change the amount of force and/or direction needed to move an object and discover how they make work easier. With editable presentations, worksheets, student-choice projects, and assessments, this multiday lesson is comprehensive yet low-prep.

Through differentiated, student-led activities, your middle schoolers will stay engaged while you focus on their success.

Essential Questions

• How do simple machines change the amount of force and/or direction needed to move an object?

• How do simple machines make work easier?

Why Teachers Love This Lesson

• Differentiated materials to support a variety of learners

• Multimodal learning to keep students interested

• Maximum flexibility—printable or digital versions included

• Editable PowerPoints for easy classroom customization

• Spanish translations of vocabulary, reading passages, and interactive notebook pages

This resource is built around the 5E Instructional Model (Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, Evaluation), providing both structure and flexibility for meaningful learning.

What’s Included

Engagement

• Objectives and Word Wall Cards (English & Spanish)

• Teacher file with discussion prompts, activities, and common misconceptions

Exploration – Student-Led Station Lab
Nine differentiated stations let students investigate simple machines through multiple learning styles:

Input Stations (learn content)

• Explore It! – Hands-on demo or experiment

• Read It! – Differentiated passages (English & Spanish) + comprehension questions

• Research It! – Guided online activities

• Watch It! – Short video with reflection prompts

Output Stations (show understanding)

• Organize It! – Printable or digital card sorts

• Write It! – Open-ended written responses

• Illustrate It! – Drawing/sketching concepts for visual reinforcement

• Assess It! – Task cards + vocabulary-in-context activity

Bonus Station – Challenge It!
Fun extensions for early finishers, including crosswords, games, and mini-projects

Explanation

• Editable PowerPoints (standard & interactive)

• Interactive notebook templates (digital & print, English & Spanish)

• Guided note-taking templates

Elaboration

• Student-choice projects on simple machines for in-class or at-home extension

Evaluation

• STAAR 2.0–style assessments (standard & modified versions)

• Review worksheet for class discussion, homework, or practice

Flexible for Any Classroom

This lesson is designed for both in-person and virtual instruction. Station labs, interactive notebooks, and PowerPoints are fully compatible with Google Slides and PowerPoint.

This is a finished product; it will be updated with formatting or corrections as needed. Future improvements and new features will be sold as a separate product.