1. Third Grade Science Classes
Simple Machines
a lesson for:
Lonna Hanson’s
Third Grade Science Classes
Lincoln Elementary

2. Introduction Simple machines are machines with few or no moving parts.
Simple machines will be our next Science unit.

3. Kinds of Simple Machines
We will be learning about the six simple machines. They are:
1. Lever
2. Inclined Plane
3. Wedge
4. Screw
5. Wheel and Axle
6. Pulley

4. Energy and Work
Suppose you needed to move an object. You might use tools to help you. Simple machines are tools that use energy to do work.
Energy is the ability to do work.
You probably have used several of the six kinds of simple machines.

5. What is a Lever? A hammer is a lever that helps do work.
Work is done whenever force makes an object move.

6. What is an Inclined Plane?
A ramp is an inclined plane.
A ramp helps move objects.
You can use an inclined plane to help move an object to a higher or lower place.

7. What is a Wedge? A doorstop is a wedge.
A wedge is a simple machine used to push objects apart.
An ax is a wedge that splits wood.

8. What is a Screw?
A screw is a simple machine used to hold objects together.
Think about your desk.
Does it have screws helping to hold it together?

9. What is a Wheel and Axle?
A wheel and axle is a simple machine made of a rod attached to the center of a wheel.
The axle, or rod, turns when you put force on the wheel.
You probably have seen a wheel and axle on scooters, cars, roller skates, and wagons.

10. What is a Pulley?
A pulley is a simple machine with a wheel and with a rope.
The rope fits around the edge of the wheel.
You can use a pulley to move a load up, down or sideways.

11. What This Means Simple machines are important to us in our daily life.
They help us do work.
They make our lives easier.

12. Next Steps
Please write the titles of the six simple machines. The titles on the chalkboard will guide you.
Then, we will study the bulletin board examples. Your last task is to draw one example of each type of simple machine beside its title on your paper.

13. GREAT JOB THIRD GRADERS!