Take your child on a fascinating learning adventure into the world of simple machines. This engaging unit study blends reading, math, science, and creative activities to help curious kids explore how things work.
Complete Unit Study $79
Get the Unit StudyInstant PDF Download • 40+ Printable Pages • Ages 5–8 • Certificate of completion included
Stuff Truffle unit studies are thoughtfully designed to help kids explore fascinating topics while building real academic skills. Each unit includes:
Perfect for homeschool families, curious learners, and kids who love discovering how the world works.
Simple machines help us understand basic physics principles
Simple machines are the building blocks of all modern technology! From the wheels on your bike to the scissors you use for art class, simple machines make our lives easier every day. In this unit study, children will explore six fundamental simple machines: levers, wheels and axles, pulleys, inclined planes, wedges, and screws. Through hands-on activities, kids will discover how these amazing devices help us move, lift, and accomplish tasks that would otherwise be impossible.
This comprehensive 4-week unit includes everything you need to create an immersive learning experience. From vocabulary building and reading comprehension to hands-on activities and creative drawing projects, your child will develop multiple skills while exploring how simple machines work. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing you to adapt activities to your child's interests and learning pace.
Perfect for homeschool families, this unit study integrates science, math, reading, and creative activities into a cohesive learning journey. Whether your child dreams of becoming an engineer or simply loves building things, this unit will spark curiosity and confidence as they discover the incredible world of simple machines that surrounds them every day.
Complete 4-week curriculum with everything you need, ready to print and go
Designed for ages 5–8 with activities that grow with your child's ability
Explore real science concepts through reading, sorting, graphing, and discovery activities
Build a foundation in physics and engineering by uncovering the six machines behind every device ever made
Integrates addition, graphing, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing into every week
Every single activity includes Make It Easier and Make It Harder options to meet your child exactly where they are
Simple machines are hiding in plain sight in every room of the house, every playground, and every building site. Learning the six types gives kids a new lens for looking at the world around them — and that kind of noticing feels like a superpower.
How did the ancient Egyptians move 80-tonne stones to build the pyramids? How does one person raise a heavy flag up a tall pole? Simple machines answer questions like these in ways that are genuinely surprising and satisfying.
Lever. Wedge. Screw. Pulley. These are real engineering terms used by real engineers — and children love using grown-up vocabulary to explain grown-up ideas. There is real pride in being able to tell an adult how a wheel and axle works.
Bicycles, scissors, seesaws, doorknobs, zip lines, cranes — simple machines are already part of children's daily lives. Learning the science behind familiar objects makes the familiar feel exciting and new all over again.
With caller cards — 3×3 and 4×4 boards for different skill levels
Cut-apart strips spanning the Stone Age to today
Separate machine name cards and description cards for a memory-style match-up
Five themed movements combining counting and physical activity
A planning template and large drawing page for engineering an original multi-machine design
A printable board game with 16 review question cards covering the full unit
Complete Unit Study $79
Get the Unit StudyInstant PDF Download • 40+ Printable Pages • Ages 5-8 • Certificate of completion included
Ancient Egyptians used ramps to build the pyramids over 4,500 years ago!
One pulley can cut the force needed to lift something in half—science magic!
The wheel is one of the most important inventions in human history!
Knives, scissors, and even teeth are all wedges making cutting easier!
Take learning further with these additional activities:
Combine multiple simple machines to create a fun chain reaction machine!
Find and document simple machines in your home and neighborhood.
Explore how simple machines are used in real engineering marvels.
Expand one experiment into a full science fair project!
Ready to start your simple machines learning adventure? Families love building and experimenting together!