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Tools Can Help Us Do Things

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Core Learning Experience + Supplies and Equipment

• ​Set out a selection of different tools and simple machines, such as scissors, spoon, manual can opener, pencil, brush, stapler, telescope etc.
• Try to cut some paper with your fingers-prompt children to suggest what might work better. Do something similar with the other tools, encouraging as much predicting, suggestions, and guesses from the children. 

Possible/Expected Discoveries

• ​​Tools are used to do things better or more easily, and to do some things that could not otherwise be done at all.
• Most things are made of parts that work together, and if one of the parts is missing or broken, it won’t work as well, if at all. Discuss the different parts and functions of each tool.
• When parts are put together, they can do things that they couldn't do by themselves, for example the handle and blade of a screwdriver, or the various components of a door handle. Have the children suggest and discover more.

Extended Learning and Other Curriculum Areas

• ​​Set out some toys with different parts (cars, dolls, etc) and encourage discussion. Explain that with electronic toys, the different parts are working inside the casing even if we can’t take the toy apart to see them. With battery-operated toys, take out the batteries and talk about what happens.
• Set out some creative materials, such as cardboard, clean cans, boxes, tape, pipe cleaners wire, springs etc. Have the children create their own tools and machines, and have them explain what they might be used to help us do. Of course they don’t really have to “work”, the more creative the better. 

Activity Packs and Printables

Tools flashcards (12 cards)

Websites

​Tools and Machines Theme Activities for Preschool

Books

​Simple Machines by Jo Ellen Moor (an activity book)
Simple Machines by Allan Fowler