Simple Machines Final Project Choices
Due: Tuesday, January 17th
Choose one projects to complete. Read the directions for the project carefully and follow them
completely. You will present your completed project to the class on January 17th. If you need materials
for your project please ask your teacher.
Choice #1: INVENT A MACHINE: Think about all of the work you do on a daily basis. Is there any task
that you feel requires too much effort? Invent a complex machine that will make the work easier.
Remember, a complex machine is made up of at least 2 simple machines. (Examples: a dog food
dispenser, the couch potato’s snack grabber, the mouse mover)
Your completed project must include:
__ A diagram of the complex machine. All of the simple machines making up your complex
machine must be labeled.
__A written description of the complex machine. Be sure to include the name of the machine,
how it works (what simple machines are involved) and where you got the idea for the machine.
__The complex machine can be brought to school or videotaped and the tape emailed/sent to
school. Be sure to test the machines and work out all of the kinks before your presentation.
Choice #2: WRITE A BOOK: Simple machines can seem complex when you are first learning about
them. Help get the third graders ready for fourth grade by creating a non-fiction picture book about
simple machines. This picture book should be focused on defining what each simple machine is and
where it can be seen in your daily life. You may set up the book in any way as long as it contains the
necessary information.
Your completed project must include:
__A description of all 6 simple machines
__An illustration of what each simple machine looks like. For example a lever looks like: ^
__An explanation and illustration of at least two examples of where you can see each simple
machine in your daily life
__A cover
Choice #3: DRAW A DIAGRAM: When simple machines are put together with other simple machines
the result is quite complex! Think about a complex machine that you are familiar with (for example: a
garage door opener, exercise equipment, a crane, etc.). What simple machines make up these complex
machines? Choose two complex machines and determine which simple machines make it up.
Your completed project must include:
__A picture or diagram of the complex machine
__Label all of the simple machines that make up the complex machine
__Write an explanation of how the machine operates (describe how all of the simple machines
work together) and how it makes the work easier.
Choice #4: CREATE A POSTER: Simple machines are all around us! We use them every day without
even thinking about them. People need to be more aware of the simple machines in their lives. It is
your job to inform people of the simple machines they encounter. In order to do this you need to create
one or more posters depicting simple machines.
Your completed project must include:
__Pictures of all six simple machines (you may cut them out of magazines, copy them from
books or the internet or draw them yourself). You may choose to display them in an organized
way on one poster or you may want to make a separate poster for each simple machine.
__The pictures must be labeled with which type of simple machine it is. If it contains more than
one simple machine you must label all of the machines that make it up.
__Choose three of the machines you placed on your poster(s). On the back of your poster
record the name of the machine, what type of simple machine it is, how you know it is this type
of simple machine and how it makes work easier?
Choice #5: SING A SONG OF SCIENCE: Very often people have a difficult time remembering a large
amount of information. However, if the information is in a song it can be easier to remember. Your task
is to write a song to help next year’s class learn about simple machines.
Your completed project must include:
__A tune: the song must be set to music (unless you write a rap). You may make up the tune
yourself or you may make up new lyrics to a familiar tune. (For example: The Itsy Bitsy Spider,
On Top of Spaghetti, Fireworks, etc.)
__The names of all of the simple machines (a brief description of each one would be great too).
__At least 5 facts and/or vocabulary words relating to simple machines.
Simple Machines Project Scoring Explanation
Students may choose which ever project they want to complete. Projects will be graded individually
depending on their requirements. We will not accept any late projects. This will count as a test
grade!


Each choice requirement—10 points
Neatness and creativity- 10 points
_____________________________________________________________________________________
I have read the project options and understand that it will count as a test grade and is due no later than
Tuesday, January 17th.
Student Signature: ____________________________________________________________________
Parent Signature: ____________________________________________________________________