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Grade 6 Beginner About 15 min Version 1 Awaiting review Premium

Which simple machine is it?

A simple machine makes work easier by letting a smaller force move a load, or by changing the direction of the force. There are six kinds. A lever is a bar that turns about a pivot (fulcrum). A pulley is a wheel with a rope over it. A wheel and axle is a large wheel fixed to a smaller rod so they turn together. An inclined plane is a slope. A wedge is two slopes back to back that split or cut things. A screw is an inclined plane wrapped around a rod.

What you will learn

  • Name and describe the six simple machines.
  • Identify the simple machine in everyday tools.
  • Explain how each makes work easier.

Before you start

  • Know that a force is a push or a pull.

Materials

  • Pictures or real examples of the tools

Equipment

  • None for the virtual lab

Procedure

  1. Choose a card and look at how the tool works: does it turn about a pivot, use a rope over a wheel, or use a slope?
  2. Place each card under the right simple machine.