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Home | Unit Study | Explore Simple Machines Unit Study for Elementary Homeschool

Explore Simple Machines — Elementary STEM Unit Study | Knowledge Crates

$124.99
$124.99
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Your child is about to build a catapult, construct a working Ferris wheel, and realize that a seesaw is actually a machine. The Simple Machines Unit Study Crate brings one of the most engaging STEM topics to life through hands-on experiments, engineering challenges, art projects, and great books — all included, nothing to buy separately.

Real learning. Zero prep. Grades 2–5.

What's Inside Your Crate

  • Thames & Kosmos Simple Machines STEM Kit (26 experiments) — Build and test models of levers, pulleys, and gears with this comprehensive kit that makes abstract concepts tangible.
  • Ferris Wheel Model Kit (requires 2 AAA batteries, not included) — Construct a working Ferris wheel to explore rotational motion and mechanical advantage.
  • Popsicle Stick Catapult Project — Build and launch a mini catapult while learning about force, energy, and trajectory.
  • Simple Machines Scavenger Hunt — Go on a mission to find simple machines hiding in everyday objects around the house.
  • Array Capture Multiplication Game — Turn multiplication practice into a hands-on game that reinforces math skills through play.
  • Activity Guide to walk you through it all

Creative Art Projects

  • Colorful Gears Art — Paint and design interlocking gears to understand mechanical movement.
  • Chore Robot Art & Writing — Create a "chore robot" and write a short story about how it helps with household tasks.
  • Silhouette Art: Simple Machines & Brilliant Minds — Celebrate the inventors who changed the world with their mechanical innovations.

Books Included with Your Crate

  • Simple Machines by D.J. Ward — A kid-friendly introduction to the six types of simple machines and how they work.
  • Everyday STEM Technology: Machines by Jenny Jacoby — Discover the machines that shape our daily lives, from elevators to bicycles.
  • Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters by Andrea Beaty — A STEM story about teamwork and perseverance.
  • Science No Fair!: Project Droid #1 by Amanda Burwasser — Follow a curious robot as it navigates the world of science fairs and simple machines.

Perfect For

  • Homeschooling families looking for engaging, standards-aligned STEM activities
  • Parents who want screen-free, hands-on learning that actually holds attention
  • Curious kids who love building, experimenting, and asking "How does that work?"

A note from us: simple machines is one of those topics kids think they already understand — until they're the one designing the catapult. We love watching that shift happen.

Additional Resource: Want to see this unit study in action? See Our Blog Post Here

Additional Information: Items may vary based on availability. Crates contain products not manufactured by the seller and may include small parts. Not suitable for children under 3 years. Contents are not for consumption.

  • Thames & Kosmos Simple Machines STEM Kit (26 Experiments): Build and test models of levers, pulleys, and gears with this comprehensive kit that makes abstract concepts tangible.
  • Ferris Wheel Model Kit (Requires 2 AAA batteries, not included): Construct a working Ferris wheel to explore rotational motion and mechanical advantage.
  • Popsicle Stick Catapult Project: Build and launch a mini catapult while learning about force, energy, and trajectory.
  • Simple Machines Scavenger Hunt: Go on a mission to find simple machines hidden in everyday objects around the house.
  • Array Capture Multiplication Game: Turn multiplication practice into a fun, hands-on game that reinforces math skills through playful learning.

Creative Art Projects:

  • Colorful Gears Art: Paint and design interlocking gears to understand mechanical movement.
  • Chore Robot Art & Writing: Create a "chore robot" and write a short story about how it helps with household tasks.
  • Silhouette Art – Simple Machines & Brilliant Minds: Celebrate inventors who changed the world with their mechanical innovations.

Books Included with Your Crate:

  • Simple Machines by D.J. Ward – A kid-friendly introduction to the six types of simple machines and how they work.
  • Everyday STEM Technology: Machines by Jenny Jacoby – Discover the machines that shape our daily lives, from elevators to bicycles.
  • Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters by Andrea Beaty – A STEM story about teamwork and perseverance.
  • Science No Fair!: Project Droid #1 by Amanda Burwasser – Follow a curious robot as it navigates the world of science fairs and simple machines.

Who Is This Simple Machines Unit Study Perfect For? Elementary

  • Homeschooling families seeking engaging STEM activities aligned with educational standards.
  • Parents looking for screen-free, hands-on learning experiences for their children.
  • Curious kids who love building, experimenting, and asking, "How does that work?"

We work hard to process and ship all in-stock orders as quickly as possible! While we strive to ship same day, but please allow up to three business days for processing. As a small business, we appreciate your patience and are committed to getting your order out the door as fast as we can.

  • For out-of-stock items, please contact us for a more specific timeline on when the item will be restocked, we're happy to help!
  • For new releases, including our upcoming unit crates, will ship after the product's official release date. Crates are released on September 1st, December 1st, March 1st, and June 1st.

Shipping Methods & Tracking

  • We ship via UPS and USPS, with shipping costs calculated at checkout based on your location. 
  • Once your order ships, you’ll receive a tracking notification to keep you updated on its journey. While we can’t control what happens to packages once they leave our hands, we want to ensure they arrive safely. 
  • If there’s an issue with your shipment, please contact us—we’ll do our best to assist. If your tracking shows the package was delivered but you haven't received it, you'll need to follow up with the shipping carrier for further assistance.

At this time, we only ship within the U.S. Thank you for your understanding and for supporting our small business! 

🎯 What Will Your Child Learn?

  • STEM Skill Development: Introduces key science, technology, engineering, and math concepts through hands-on experiments.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Encourages kids to design, build, and test simple machines to solve real-world problems.
  • Creativity & Imagination: Combines STEM learning with creative art projects to engage both sides of the brain.
  • Independent Learning: The step-by-step guide helps kids take ownership of their learning journey while developing confidence in their abilities.

🎯 What academic standards does this crate align with? 

Common Core Standards: 

  • RI.4.1: Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
  • RI.4.3: Explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text, including what happened and why, based on specific information in the text. 
  • 3.MD.A.2: Measure and estimate liquid volumes and masses of objects using standard units.
  • 4.MD.A.1: Know relative sizes of measurement units within one system.

Applicable Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):

  • 3-PS2-1: Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object.
  • 3-PS2-2: Make observations and/or measurements of an object's motion to provide evidence that a pattern can be used to predict future motion. 
  • 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.
  • 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
  • 3-5-ETS1-3: Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.

Explore Simple Machines — Elementary...

$124.99
$124.99
Sold Out

The best educational activity kits for kids are hands-on, engaging, and provide a mix of learning and fun. They should include high-quality materials, clear instructions, and opportunities for creativity and critical thinking. Some of the best options include:

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