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?