Grade 6 Simple Machines and Forces Lesson Plan

About This Resource

A two-lesson plan (about 40-45 minutes each) that introduces Grade 6 students to force, friction, and gravity, teaches the six simple machines, and leads into a hands-on investigation comparing effort and friction. Written with simple, clear teacher language and low-resource classroom materials in mind.

Overview

This lesson plan sets out a full teaching sequence across two lessons. Lesson 1 introduces force vocabulary and all six simple machines using the Vocabulary and Concepts PowerPoint, then moves into guided and independent practice with the Classification Worksheet. Lesson 2 opens with a short friction demonstration and leads into a small-group investigation comparing effort on a ramp and friction across different surfaces, using materials most classrooms already have. The plan includes timing for every segment, a note on where the other resources in this collection fit, differentiation at three levels, common misconceptions to watch for, and an extension idea for early finishers.

Resource Details

Subject: Science
Topic: Simple Machines and Forces
Category: Forces & Energy
File Type: PDF
File Size: 68.3 KB
Published: 07 Sep 2026
Downloads: 0

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Grade 40-45 Minutes Lesson Plan Simple Machines and Forces

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to explain what a force is and give examples of pushes and pulls.
Students will be able to describe how friction and gravity affect the way objects move.
Students will be able to identify the six simple machines and describe how each one works.
Students will be able to explain how a simple machine can make work feel easier.
Students will be able to give real-life examples of simple machines from their own surroundings.

Lesson Procedure

Read through both lessons before teaching, and gather the investigation materials in advance — a flat board or a few large books for a ramp, a small toy car or block, string, a rubber band, and two or three surfaces to compare. Teach Lesson 1 and Lesson 2 in separate class periods, or combine them into one longer session if your school has an extended science block. The PowerPoint, Classification Worksheet, and Investigation Activity referenced in this plan are separate resources in this collection and should be prepared ahead of time.

Assessment

Teacher observation during guided practice and the group investigation, review of the completed Classification Worksheet and Investigation Activity, listening for correct vocabulary use during discussion, and the exit ticket at the end of Lesson 2. The Grading Rubric in this collection can be applied once students have work from the Classification Worksheet, Investigation Activity, and Quiz.

Differentiation

SUPPORT: Provide a printed word bank with a small icon next to each simple machine, allow students to point to and copy words rather than write from memory, pair students with a partner who can help translate a difficult term, and reduce the Classification Worksheet to the four most familiar machines if needed.
ON-LEVEL: Complete the Classification Worksheet and Investigation Activity as designed, using full sentences to explain each answer.
CHALLENGE: Find a compound machine (a tool made of two or more simple machines, such as scissors or a bicycle) and explain which simple machines it combines and how.

Classroom Activity Ideas

Machine Hunt: after Lesson 1, ask students to find one simple machine at home or on the way to school and be ready to describe it the next day — what it is, which simple machine it uses, and what job it helps with.

Teacher Tips

Machine Hunt: after Lesson 1, ask students to find one simple machine at home or on the way to school and be ready to describe it the next day — what it is, which simple machine it uses, and what job it helps with.