Step 1: What are Simple Machines? (10-15 minutes)

Imagine trying to lift something really heavy, or move something far away. Simple machines help make that work easier! Let's talk about two simple machines:

• Levers: Think of a seesaw! A lever is a stiff bar that rests on a support (called a fulcrum) and is used to help lift or move things. Can you make a simple lever with a few Lego bricks? Try using a long brick and a small brick as a fulcrum. Can it lift another small brick?
• Wheels and Axles: Cars have them, wagons have them! A wheel and axle is a wheel with a rod (axle) through its center that helps things roll or turn. Can you find Lego pieces to make a wheel and axle?

Look around you. Can you spot anything that works like a lever or uses wheels and axles?

Step 2: Your Engineering Challenge! (10 minutes for design, 30-45 minutes for building)

Your Mission: Design and build a Lego creation that uses at least one simple machine (a lever or wheels and axles or both!) to do something cool. Maybe it's:

• A vehicle that can carry a small Lego figure.
• A machine that can launch a tiny Lego piece.
• A tool that can pick up another Lego brick.
• A fun ride for your Lego friends!

First, Sketch Your Idea! Like all great engineers, let's draw a quick plan. What will you build? What simple machine will it use? How will it work? (Use your paper and pencils/crayons for this).

Now, Build It! Time to grab those Legos and bring your design to life! Don't worry if your first idea doesn't work perfectly – that's what engineering is all about! Try different things, change your design, and have fun problem-solving.

Step 3: Lego Engineering Showcase! (10-15 minutes)

It's time to show off your amazing creation!

• Tell me all about your machine. What is its name? What does it do?
• What simple machine(s) did you use? How does it help your machine work? (Point it out!)
• What was the most fun part of building it?
• What was a tricky part, and how did you solve it?
• Can we test it out?