Simple Machines
Scavenger Hunt

Activities recommended for Year 4 to 8

Every day we interact with incredible machines and feats of engineering that make our lives easier. Explore the fundamentals of engineering by examining the six simple machines: the lever, the screw, the pulley, the wheel and axle, the wedge, and the inclined plane. Use our scavenger hunt to identify examples of simple and complex machines in your life. Create a catapult and explore the relationship between the fulcrum and the lever.

Watch the video made by the MOTAT Educators that defines the six simple machines. This video explains each machine, and features footage of the machines in action. Discuss what you learned from watching the video

You will need:

Simple Machines scavenger hunt cards (one per group).
Pens/pencils
Camera

Spot the Six Simple Machines

Now that you know about the six simple machines, you will start to see them everywhere!

Give an example of a simple machine at home or school (e.g. tape dispenser includes a wheel and axle)
Give an example of a complex machine at home or school (e.g. stapler includes a lever and wedge)
At home or school look for examples of each of the machines mentioned in the video
Record what you have found on your scavenger hunt cards. You can also record the machines you find by taking a photo of them