Unit Overview

• A force is a push or a pull. Forces differ in their strength. All motion (change in position or direction) is caused by force. Forces may have different names, for example, friction, gravity, electromagnetic, and centrifugal force. 
• Simple, compound, or complex machines are devices that help make the work easier by changing the size and/or direction of the force that is applied. There are six simple machines - inclined plane, wedge, screw, lever, pulley, and wheel-and-axle.  Simple machines can be combined in all kinds of ways to create the machines we use everyday. 
• The science skills emphasized in Nature’s Forces Simple Machines are collecting data, manipulating, constructing models, observing, and predicting.

Manuals, Inventory, and NYS Correlation Downloads

• The teacher manual, student manual, inventory sheet, and kit correlation are available online for download. 
• Please make sure you have adobe acrobat reader downloaded and installed on your computer to view online manuals.

Natures Forces Simple Machines Manual
Natures Forces Simple Machines Student Manual
Natures Forces Simple Machines Inventory Sheet
Natures Forces Simple Machines Correlation

Digital Resources

Click here for Digital Resources

BOCES ISS Resources

Distance Learning   Environmental Education    Media Services  

Online Natures Forces Simple Machines Teacher Training

• Please make sure you have the latest version of windows media player downloaded and installed on your computer to view online teacher training. 

Online Natures Forces Simple Machines Training

Scheduling and Science Kit Ordering Information

• This unit may take four to six weeks to complete depending upon the goals of the teacher and interests of the students.
• Teachers in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties request the kits from us, and the couriers deliver the kits to the schools.  Teachers have up to six weeks to complete each of the learning experiences.  Once the teachers complete the learning experiences provided with the math and science kits, the kits are then sent back to us so we can refurbish them and send them out again when they are requested.  **If you need additional time to complete your kit, please contact 716-376-8272 so we can accommodate an extension. 

**Missing Items: If the kit you requested has missing item(s), please contact 716-376-8272. We will send missing item(s) out to you as soon as possible.  

• Do you want to book this kit? There are several ways to order science kits.  Ways you can order are:

MediaNet:  Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES Media Library - Natures Forces Simple Machines                                                                                                                        Phone: 716-376-8272   Fax: 716-372-0621   Email: leigh_leyva@caboces.org or mst_kits@caboces.org                                                                                                       U.S. Mail: C/A BOCES – Math, Science, & Technology Department at Allegany, 1825 Windfall Road, Olean, NY 14760