Unit Plan: New Creations from Six Simple Machines 

These resources will add excitement to the classroom library while reinforcing knowledge of simple machines and their purposes. Learning about inventors and useful inventions (and some kooky ones, too) will inspire students to think ‘what if...'

Great Black Heroes: Five Notable Inventors by Wade Hudson, Ron Garnett
Learn how machines played an important part in the inventions of these inspiring African-Americans

Classroom Tip: A great addition to this unit and Black History Month activities.

The Inventor's Times: Real-Life Stories of 30 Amazing Creations by Dan Driscoll, James Zigarelli
An intriguing newspaper-style book that highlights inventions for kids.

Classroom Tip: True stories about fascinating inventions will inspire student brainstorming.

Industrial Revolution by Kids Discover
A wonderful magazine that chronicles the monumental influence of machines.

Classroom Tip: Back issues are still available. The section on the ‘world before machines' is great to spark class discussions.

Machines Make It Work! Science Series: The Hands-On Approach to Science by Andrew Haslam
Hands-on approach to learning how machines work.

Classroom Tip: A useful book for enrichment activities!

Physical Science: Technology & Inventions Grades 6-9: 8 Books
A great classroom set that includes resources on super structures and robotics.

Classroom Tip: Use these engaging resources to present the application of simple machines in high technology.

Robotz: An Encyclopedia of Robots in Fact and Fiction by Steve Munzer
A history of robotics, beginning with Chinese clockwork robotics.

Classroom Tip: Students love to imagine future inventions incorporating robots. 

Science Court: Work and Simple Machines: Computer License
Hands-on scientific concepts presented in an animated courtroom drama!

Classroom Tip: A fun approach to modeling scientific experimentation and prediction.

Science Experiments With Simple Machines by Sally Nankivell-Aston, Dorothy Jackson
Machines are everywhere! Classroom experiments analyze how each simple machine performs.

Classroom Tip: A good resource for planning class manipulatives.

So You Want to Be an Inventor? by Judith St. George, David Small
Motivational ideas for kids who like to tinker.

Classroom Tip: Include this resource to inspire ideas about the inventing process.

Tools and Simple Machines Collection
An early reading book series for K-3, with vibrant photographs and straightforward information that illustrates the uses of simple machines.

Classroom Tip: Share this series with a primary grade, and have your students buddy-read with a younger student. The experience will build confidence and reinforce knowledge.

Women's Adventures in Science: Nature's Machines by Deborah Parks
Foremost women scientists excel in their fields.

Classroom Tip: Inspiring role models pursue their dreams, making advances in modern technology.

What a Great Idea! Inventions that Changed the World by Steve Tomece
More than 5,000 years of inventions that created our modern-day lives.

Classroom Tip: A terrific resource for history buffs who want to learn how simple machines transformed the world.