Simple Machines

What do machines do? Why do we need machines?

Common Simple Machines…

First, rank the following words from 0-5 (0= you have never heard of this word & 5= you know the word VERY well). Second, explain what the following terms mean in your own words: a. Machineg. Pulley b. Simple machinesh. Wheel & Axle c. Worki. Inclined Plane d. Forcej. Wedge e. Work input/Work outputk. Screw f. Leverl. Compound Machine

YOURS:TEXTBOOK: A machine is a device that makes work easier by changing the size or direction of a force. Examples: wheelchair, scissors, chopsticks

YOURS:TEXTBOOK: Work is the transfer of energy to an object by using a force that causes the object to move in the direction of the force. Work is done on an object if two things happen: 1) the object moves as a force is applied, 2) the direction of the object’s motion is the same as the direction of the force. Examples: pushing a ball up a hill

OR YES NOYESNO

YOURS:TEXTBOOK: A push or a pull exerted on an object in order to change the motion of the object; force has size and direction. Examples: people, bulldozer, static electricity

YOURS:TEXTBOOK: Work input is the work done on the machine. Work out put is the work done by the machine. Examples: opening a paint can

YOURS:TEXTBOOK: A machine or simple device without moving parts. Examples: lever, pulley, wheel & axle, inclined plane, wedge, screw

YOURS:TEXTBOOK: A machine made up of more than one simple machine. Examples: manual can opener

The Six Simple Machines

Lever

The Six Simple Machines LeverPulley

The Six Simple Machines LeverPulleyWheel & Axle

The Six Simple Machines LeverPulleyWheel & Axle Inclined Plane

The Six Simple Machines LeverPulleyWheel & Axle Inclined PlaneWedge

The Six Simple Machines LeverPulleyWheel & Axle Inclined PlaneWedgeScrew

YOURS:TEXTBOOK: A lever is a simple machine that has a bar that pivots at a fixed point, called a fulcrum. Examples: first-class lever (see saw), second-class lever (wheelbarrow or soda bottle opener), third-class lever (lifting weights or hammering a nail)

The Six Simple Machines Lever

First-Class LeverSecond-Class LeverThird-Class Lever Elementary SchoolMiddle SchoolHigh School

YOURS:TEXTBOOK: A simple machine that has a grooved wheel that holds a rope or a cable. Examples: fixed, moveable, block and tackle

The Six Simple Machines LeverPulley

Types of Pulleys:

YOURS:TEXTBOOK: A simple machine consisting of two circular objects of different sizes. Examples: car’s wheel & axle, faucet

The Six Simple Machines LeverPulleyWheel & Axle

The Six Simple Machines LeverPulleyWheel & Axel Inclined Plane

YOURS:TEXTBOOK: A simple machine that is made up of two inclined planes that move; often used for cutting. Examples: knife, axe, door stop

The Six Simple Machines LeverPulleyWheel & Axel Inclined PlaneWedge

YOURS:TEXTBOOK: A simple machine that consists of an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder. Examples: screw, light bulb

The Six Simple Machines LeverPulleyWheel & Axel Inclined PlaneWedgeScrew

The Six Simple Machines

Activities Museum of Science & Industry Lemelson Center’s Invention at Play

1. What would be easier, a steep inclined plane or a shallow inclined plane?

2. What would be easier, a wide wedge or a skinny wedge?

3. What would be easier, a long, skinny screw or a short, fat screw?

4. What would be easier, the fulcrum in the middle or the fulcrum to one side of the lever?

5. What would be easier, a short axle or a long axle?

6. What would be easier, a wide rope or a skinny rope?