1. Simple Machines SOL 3.2

2. Simple machines are tools used to make work easier.

3. You have probably used some simple machines, but did not realize that they were actually called simple machines!

4. Simple machines do not make less work; they just make it easier to do work. It would be hard to cut this wood without the saw!

5. There are 6 different types of simple machines : (1)lever (2)screw (3)pulley (4)wheel & axle (5)inclined plane (6)wedge

6. (1) LEVER A lever is a stiff bar that moves about a fixed point (fulcrum). A lever is used to push, pull, or lift things.

7. A shovel is an example of a lever. A seesaw is another example of a lever.

8. (2) SCREW A screw is an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder or cone. A common use of the screw is to hold objects together.

9. A jar lid and a wood screw are examples of a screw. So far we have learned about 2 types of simple machines: levers & screws….

10. (3) PULLEY A pulley is a wheel that has a rope wrapped around it. Pulleys can be used to lift heavy objects by changing the direction or amount of the force.

11. A flagpole uses a pulley to raise the flag. Now we have learned about 3 types of simple machines: levers, screws, and pulleys…..

12. (4) WHEEL & AXLE A wheel & axle consists of a rod attached to a wheel. A wheel & axle makes it easier to move or turn things.

13. A bicycle wheel, roller skates, and a doorknob are all examples of a wheel & axle. We now know about 4 types of simple machines: levers, screws, pulleys, and wheels & axles.

14. (5) INCLINED PLANE An inclined plane is a flat surface that is raised so that one end is higher than the other. An inclined plane helps move heavy objects up or down.

15. A ramp is an example of an inclined plane. Let’s add inclined plane to our list of simple machines (along with levers, screws, pulleys, and wheels & axles).

16. (6) WEDGE A wedge is wide at one end and pointed at the other to help cut or split other objects.

17. Examples of wedges: a knife or an ax

18. Now you know about the 6 types of simple machines : (1) LEVER (2) SCREW (6) WEDGE (3) PULLEY (4) WHEEL & AXLE (5) INCLINED PLANE

19. These simple machines make work easier!