The Simple Machine Project is an activity I do with my 9th grade physical science class. It is also suitable for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade science classes.

The students are challenged to create a compound machine out of at least four different simple machines that can move a marble 36 linear inches (91.44 cm). They use materials they have at home and create a labeled drawing that explains how their machine works. They must demonstrate their machine, either by sending me a video of the working machine, or bringing it in person and demonstrating it, if possible.

They are graded on the number of simple machines they included, the quality of the explanation and labeling in their drawing, and the functionality of their finished machine. This works well with distance learning because they simply send in the video of the working machine. No need to be in class, and I can share all the videos when we meet together, online.