Lesson Idea | Modern Day Pyramids

This activity engages students in exploring how ancient technologies, specifically six types of simple machines and their combinations, are still used in constructing modern buildings. Working in small teams, students follow the engineering design process to brainstorm, plan, and create a design for a modern structure, showing how simple machines would assist in its construction. Instead of physically building the structure, they produce a large mural illustrating their design. The lesson emphasizes teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving while reinforcing knowledge of simple machines and their applications in both historical and modern contexts. It is designed for elementary and middle school students, with suggested adaptations for different grade levels.

Educational Standards

• NGSS: Next Generation Science Standards - Science
• International Technology and Engineering Educators Association - Technology