Simple Machines Homeschool Unit: Fun, Hands-On STEM Activities for Kids
By: Knowledge Crates
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If you're a homeschooling parent looking for fun and interactive ways to teach science, a simple machines homeschool unit is the perfect topic to explore! Simple machines are everywhere—helping us lift, push, pull, and move objects with ease. The best part? They provide a fantastic opportunity for kids to experiment, build, and create while learning essential physics concepts.
But here’s the challenge that we allll know so well: gathering materials, planning lessons, and trying to find activities that are engaging can take a lot of time and effort. That’s where our Simple Machines Crate comes in! We’ve taken care of all the prep work for you, so you can dive straight into hands-on learning with your kids. 🙌
Ready to spark curiosity and creativity (while keeping your sanity)? Let’s take a look at some exciting activities that will have your kids exploring the power of simple machines in no time!
Before we jump into the activities, let’s talk about why a simple machines homeschool unit is a fantastic way to teach science at home.
They’re everywhere – From door handles to seesaws, simple machines are part of daily life. Learning about them helps kids see how science applies to the real world.
They make science fun – Kids love hands-on activities! Exploring how levers, pulleys, and gears work makes learning feel like playtime.
They encourage problem-solving – Building and experimenting with simple machines strengthens critical thinking and engineering skills.
They’re perfect for multi-age learning – Whether you have a preschooler or a middle schooler, simple machine activities can be adapted for different skill levels.
Exploring Simple Machines Through Hands-On STEM Activities
This simple machines homeschool unit is packed with engaging, hands-on activities that bring science and engineering concepts to life. The projects highlighted here are just a few of the many exciting experiments, challenges, and creative explorations included in the unit. Whether your child loves building, problem-solving, or artistic expression, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Simple Machines Experiment Kit
The main component of our simple machines homeschool unit that we are SO THRILLED to be able to include in this crate is a phenomenal STEM kit from one of our favorite brands, Thames & Kosmos. This Simple Machines Experiment Kit lets kids really build first hand knowledge of how each simple machine works.
Through 26 model-building exercises, kiddos will investigate all six classic simple machines — wheels and axles, levers, pulleys, inclined planes, screws, and wedges — as well as gears. They'll start off with simple models to get a clear understanding of the basic principles at play, and then move onto larger, more complex models to push the machines harder and see how they can work together. Both our nine-year-old and six-year-old testers loved playing with this kit!
Build A Catapult
Who doesn’t love launching things through the air? This classic catapult activity introduces kids to the power of levers and stored energy.
Using popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and a spoon, kids will engineer their own catapults and test how far they can launch small objects like pompoms. Bonus challenge: See who can hit a target or launch the farthest! Our kitten really enjoyed this activity as well. 😂
Create a Chore Robot
Have a chore your child doesn’t love doing? Why not design a robot to do it for them—at least in their imagination!
In this creative project, kids will design and build their own chore robot using cardboard, brads, and other materials. They’ll think about what kind of simple machines could help their robot complete its task.
Will their robot use gears to sweep the floor? A lever to pick up toys? The possibilities are endless!
Colorful Gears Art
Who says science and art can’t mix? This activity combines engineering with creativity by having kids design their own gears-inspired artwork.
Using a math compass and bright markers, they’ll draw gears that interlock and move together, just like in real machines. This project not only introduces how gears work but also lets kids express their creativity in a visually stunning way!
Simple Machines, Brilliant Minds Art
Your brain is always working, thinking, and creating new ideas! This project lets kids explore how their minds function like a complex machine by designing a silhouette of their head filled with simple machines.
Using a profile outline, kids will draw a lightbulb inside to represent an idea and then add a system of simple machines, like levers, pulleys, and gears, to show how thoughts move, connect, and come to life. Just like machines help us do work, our brains are always solving problems and inventing new things.
This artistic exploration reinforces the connection between science, engineering, and creative expression, making it an engaging way to understand simple machines.
Ferris Wheel Engineering Challenge
Have you ever wondered how a Ferris wheel works? With this hands-on STEM challenge, kids get to build their very own working Ferris wheel—powered by a motor and simple machines!
Using the materials provided in the crate, they’ll follow step-by-step instructions to create a spinning Ferris wheel, learning about gears, pulleys, and electrical circuits along the way.
Spirograph: Exploring Patterns and Motion
Art and engineering come together in this engaging activity using the classic Spirograph kit. With gears, wheels, and pens, kids can create intricate designs while learning about rotational motion and symmetry.
By experimenting with different gear combinations, children can see firsthand how simple machines work together to create complex patterns. This activity is a fun and creative way to explore engineering concepts while strengthening fine motor skills and spatial reasoning.
Why Parents Love the Simple Machines Crate
Everything you need is included – No more scrambling to find materials. We provide all the supplies so you can focus on having fun with your kids.
Step-by-step guide – Each activity comes with clear instructions and discussion questions to keep learning interactive and meaningful.
Multi-subject learning – Our crate blends science, math, art, reading, and engineering to create a well-rounded educational experience.
Designed by educators – With over 40 years of combined experience, our team ensures that each activity is both educational and engaging.
Ready to Explore Your Own Simple Machines Homeschool Unit?
Learning about simple machines doesn’t have to be complicated! With our Simple Machines Crate, you can bring STEM activities for kids to life without spending hours planning and prepping.
Ready to get started? Order your Simple Machines Crate today and make learning an adventure your kids will never forget!
Author: Elizabeth, Team Knowledge Crates
Elizabeth is a former public school teacher turned homeschool mom. She's been homeschooling for six years with her kiddos who are currently in kindergarten and third grade. At Knowledge Crates, Elizabeth develops the elementary unit studies and test-runs activities with her kids.
Knowledge Crates are thoughtfully curated and secular educational activity boxes designed to make learning fun, hands-on, and stress-free for families.
Each crate is packed with activities, books, and all the materials needed to spark curiosity and creativity in children.
Whether you're a homeschooling parent or simply looking for screen-free ways to keep your kids engaged, Knowledge Crates provide a convenient and enriching solution that fosters exploration and discovery.
Who are Knowledge Crates designed for?
Knowledge Crates are designed for families with children ranging from preschool to high school.
Unit Crates: The preschool units are ideal for children from preschool through grade 1. While some of the skills included may already be mastered by older kids in this range, this gives children a sense of accomplishment as they confidently complete activities on their own! The elementary units are tailored for children in grades 2–5, providing more challenging and engaging activities to keep them excited about learning.
Mini Crates: These versatile crates are designed for children ranging from preschool all the way through high school. Each mini crate includes a detailed list of what’s inside, along with photos of the materials, so parents can easily choose the best fit for their child’s interests and age group.
Sensory Play: Loved by kids of all ages, our sensory play options provide hours of engaging, hands-on exploration that fosters creativity and fine motor development. Whether your child is a toddler or older, sensory play is a hit in every home!
Can Knowledge Crates be used as part of a homeschool curriculum?
Absolutely! Knowledge Crates are a fantastic addition to any homeschool routine. Whether you’re looking to supplement your core curriculum or need ready-made activities to engage your kids, our crates provide all the materials and guidance you need.
Each unit study crate is carefully designed to explore a specific theme in depth, from the wonders of the ocean to desert habitats and beyond. The step-by-step guides and hands-on projects make it easy to incorporate crate activities into your lesson plans, saving you time and adding variety to your homeschool day.
Will Knowledge Crates really work in my homeschool?
Every family is different, and that’s why we design Knowledge Crates to be flexible. Whether you’re homeschooling full-time, looking for weekend activities, or need an engaging way to keep your kids learning during breaks, our crates adapt to your needs. They’re perfect for preschoolers exploring sensory play or older elementary kids diving into creative and STEM-focused projects.
And if you're worried about the value, consider this: everything you need is included. No hidden costs, no extra materials to buy —just open the box and start creating moments of learning and discovery. The materials are even reusable, so many of the activities can be enjoyed again and again!
My kids are excited about learning with these activities! They couldn’t not wait to get it open and wanted to do everything immediately. I’m so thankful for the way every activity is labeled and that books are included with the box…makes it so easy for me to incorporate science into our homeschool without having to spend a ton of time searching for materials on my own. We’ll definitely be ordering more of these!
