Machines and Mechanical Advantage word search, scramble and crossword

Machines and Mechanical Advantage word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this machines and mechanical advantage puzzle set for my 4th graders during our physical science unit. The kids knew that machines help us lift or move things but had no idea why or what "mechanical advantage" even meant. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like machine, mechanical advantage, effort, load, lever, pulley, wheel and axle, inclined plane, screw, wedge, fulcrum, trade-off, distance, force, and simple machine. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the vocabulary finally click.

The PDF is four pages. Three puzzles plus one answer key page. The word search works well for quiet time after recess. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about whether using a ramp makes the work easier or just changes the force. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple drawings of a lever and a ramp but nothing too busy.

Works for 4th through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers explain how a seesaw is a type of lever on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.