The Art of Simple Machines: Through Curiosity, Collaboration and Critical Thinking

At Mary Feeser Elementary School, Mr. Ryan Leniski’s 5th grade class is buzzing with curiosity and creativity as they dive into the GLC Unit, The Power of Simple Machines. In todays lab lesson, the students explore the fascinating world of levers—a fundamental tool in physics and engineering—and transform their classroom into an interactive workshop of discovery.

In one area of the room, students investigate various classes of levers using everyday items such as a pair of scissors, a staple remover, tweezers, a crowbar, pliers, a rake, a hand-held can opener and even a fishing pole. As they identify and write about the fulcrum, load, effort, and lever in these objects, the students not only master essential vocabulary but also make connections between concepts and real-world applications.

In another station, students experiment with simple, hands-on materials and explore how changing the position of the fulcrum can significantly affect the ease of lifting a load. One enthusiastic student made the connection to shoveling following a recent snowfall by exclaiming, 

“That’s why I had to move my hand to the bottom of the handle to pick up the shovel when it was full of snow! To move the fulcrum closer to the load!” This observation not only brought the concept to life but also demonstrated how a simple adjustment in design can lead to powerful results.

Throughout the lab lesson, collaboration is at the heart of the learning process. As students work through the stations, they engage in thoughtful discussions, pose insightful questions, and build upon each other’s observations, fostering an environment where critical thinking and effective communication flourish.

Mr. Leniski stresses the importance of documentation and written communication. Using the Student Data Notebooks to record observations, hypotheses, and reflections reinforcing scientific concepts while enhancing each student’s ability to articulate their thinking and document their discoveries. By integrating descriptive, comparative and expository writing into the lab lesson, students build critical thinking and communication skills in a meaningful way preparing them to tackle real-world challenges.

Hands-on science is a chance for student’s talents to shine through.

In Ryan Leniski’s class, students are experiencing a transformative approach to learning—one that ignites curiosity, encourages collaboration, nurtures critical and creative thinking, and prepares students for a lifetime of exploration and discovery.

Ryan Leniski stands out as an educator who sparks curiosity, nurtures creativity and builds meaningful connections among his students.