30 Simple Machine Projects for Kids (2024)

If you are learning about simple machines for kids and looking for some fun,hands-on STEM activities for kids, you are going to love thesesimple machine projects.With over 30 creative simple machine activities, we will show you how to make a simple machine as you learn about the 6 simple machines: inclined planes, wheel & axel, wedges, levers, pulley, and screws. We havesimple machines project ideas for kindergarten, first grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, and 6th grade students.

Simple machines for kids

Are your elementary age students learning aboutsimle machines for kids? If so the best way to learn is to do; try making somesimple machine projects to see how helpful simple machines are in action! Using these simple machines projects you can learn about simple machines like inclined planes, wheel & axel, wedges, levers, pulley, and screws with these fun science experiments for kids. Whether you are a parent, teacher, or homeschooler – you will love that thesesimple machines experients are created making simple machines with household items! So keep scrolling, pick aDIY simple machines to try, and get working onsimple machines at home with your preschoolers, kindergartners, grade 1, grade 2, grade 3, grade 4, grade 5, and grade 6 students!

Plus don’t miss our other science experiments and free 5th grade worksheets

Simple Machine Projects

Ready to make asimple machine project? We have so many fun simple machines projects ideas using simple items from around your house or classroom.

• Archimedes Screw Exploration from High Hill Education is a simple project using a plastic bottle that showcases how this invention made hundreds of years ago was able to move material.
• Kids will get a kick out of moving toys from downstairs to upstairs using this Banister Pulley from Hands on As We Grow
• Kids are sure to be impressed by this working elevator model that explores pulleys from How to Adult
• Let your kids imaginations run wild as they make their own Button Wheel & Axel Cars from Almost Unschoolers
• This Corn Pulley from Play at Home Mom LLC is just what your preschooler needs in their sandbox to make simple machines come alive
• Pulley Experiment for Kids from 123 Homeschool 4 Me uses common household items like cans to make a fun-to-try simple machine
• No time to make your own simple machine, no worries! Do what Exploring Forces & Motion from A Day in First Grade did
• Simple machines and art collide in this fun Inclined Planes Art from Strong Start
• Explore the usefulness of Inclined Planes in this “Egg”speriment from 123 Homeschool 4 Me

Simple machines at home

Kids will have fun designing and testing out theirsimple machines activities they create:

• Launching Snowman from Buggy & Buddy is such a cute activity to help kids explore levers in a super creative way!
• What can simple machines make? Take a peak with this Make a Crane from At Home with Ali
• Wheel and Axle Project using plates from Sciencing is a fun, simple to make project with items you probably have laying around your house.
• Simple and to the point Movable Pulley with Paper Clips from Carrots are Orange
• Nails vs. Screws from 123 Homeschool 4 Me gives an explanation and practical hands on activities kids can do to explore thewhy we use screws instead of nails
• Nuts, Bults & Screw Sculptures from Preschool Powol Packets is less about learning and more about discover and observation
• Paper Towel Roll Catapult from Kids Activities Blog is a mega size project showcasing the lever
• This epic PVC Pipe Pulley from Little Bins for Little Hands is big in size, not in cost or difficulty to make!
• Rolling Pin Pulley from Kids Activities Blog shows us that you don’t need anything fancy to makesimple machines work
• Tissue Box Catapult from Premeditated Leftovers is a fun twist on the typical lever project you’ve seen
• Using Marbles to Experiment with Forces from Inclined Planes from The Techy Teacher turns discovering inclined planes into a game. Ready. Set. Learn!
• What’s the Big Deal with a Fulcrum? from Ozark Ramblings is a simple, no frills look at a lever.

Making Simple Machines with Household Items

Thesesimple machine experiments are truly the best for exploring and learning while having FUN and creating something amazing!

• This DIY Muscle Machine from KiwiCo is a fascinating project using pulleys.
• I Spy Simple Machines from 123 Homeschool 4 Me is a free printable that not only teaches about simple machines, but gives instructions for a fun simple machines scavenger hunt too!
• Bubble Machine Blower Machine from Teach Beside Me – this is such a fun idea kids will get excited about that explores the wheel simple machine
• Lego Zipline from Little Bins for Little Hands is such a cool project to explore pulleys with kids
• This easy to make pulley and lever board from Inspiration Labratories is the perfect introductory project to do indoors with kids of all ages!
• Levers have never been more fun than when you create one out of recycled materials like The OT Toolbox
• DIY Craft Stick Catapult is a fun-to-try activity learning about levers from Coffee Cups and Crayons
• Make science come alive for kids with this Straw Roller coaster from Frugal Fun 4 Boys that explores inclined planes with kids!
• Dive into history with this Ancient Civilization Irrigation Model that explores several simple machines from Teach Student Savvy

Simple machines projects

With over 30 creative, fun, and unique ideas for teaching simple machines for kids you are bound to find the perfect project for your target audience. These are fun activiteis for kids in social isolation as you can make simple machines around the house .Your hardest choice is which one of these science projects to try first!