1. Simple Machines
A simple machine is a non-motorized device that changes the direction or magnitude of a force.[2] In general, a simple machine can be defined as one of the simplest mechanisms that provide mechanical advantage (also called leverage).[3]
Usually the term refers to the six classical simple machines which were defined by Renaissance scientists:[4] Lever, Wheel and axle, Pulley, Inclined plane, Wedge, and Screw.

2. The Six Basic Simple Machines
A Pathfinder for Mr. Baechtold's Physical Science Students
Designed by Ms. Tricia London / Librarian  
You will fully investigate one of the six simple machines: Lever class I, Lever Class II, Lever Class III, Pulley, wheel & Axle, Inclined Plane, Screw, Wedge.
Information Resources
 These information sources are found in many different formats.
Books in the AMHS Library
The Usborne illustrated dictionary of physics,
Clocks :
Usborne science encyclopedia,
World Book's young scientist  volume #9 machines
How things work :the physics of everyday life.
The Way things work,
Toy and game science
Inventors Toolbox - the Elements of machines - Museum of Science
Websites
Simple Machines - The Franklin Institute
Simple Machines MKids page
Simple Machines University of Houston Educators Page
Simple Machines Activities
Simple Machine Quiz -
Simple Machines for Kids
Video Files - General Simple Machines
Bill Nye the Science Guy Simple Machines 1/3  (use Firefox) Bill Nye the Science Guy Simple Machines 2/3 Bill Nye the Science Guy Simple Machines 3/3
Dr. Skateboard's Action Science - Simple Machines  (use Firefox)
simple machines project by students
Some Specific Machines Videos
Levers Eureka! Episode 12 - The Lever
Lever Class II, Second Class Levers
Lever Class III thirdclasslever sok
wheel & Axle, Simple Machines - the axle and wheel
 Inclined Plane,The Inclined Plane
Screw,  The Screw and The Wheel
Pulleys - Mechanical Advantage - Pulleys
Additionally go to How Stuff Works and search for your specific machine. I
Avon Middle High School Library Home Page
Please contact us if you find a nonworking link.  

3. The Lever (PUSH THE FORCE)
PRESS HERE

4. 3 Kinds of Levers
First-class levers have the fulcrum placed between the load and the effort, as in the seesaw, crowbar, and balance scale. If the two arms of the lever are of equal length, as with the balance scale, the effort must be equal to the load. If the effort arm is longer than the load arm, as in the crowbar, the effort travels farther than the load and is less than the load.

5. Examples of First Class Levers

6. 2nd Class Lever
Second-class levers have the load between the effort and the fulcrum. A wheelbarrow is a second-class lever. The wheel’s axle is the fulcrum, the handles take the effort, and the load is placed between them. The effort always travels a greater distance and is less than the load.

7. Examples of 2nd Class Levers

8. Third Class Levers
Effort in the middle: the resistance is on one side of the effort and the fulcrum is located on the other side.

9. Examples of 3rd Class Lever

10. The Wheel & Axle

11. PRESS THE HORN

12. The Pulley
A pulley is a wheel on an axle that is designed to support movement and change of direction of a cable or belt along its circumference.[1] Pulleys are used in a variety of ways to lift loads, apply forces, and to transmit power. In nautical contexts, the assembly of wheel, axle, and supporting shell is referred to as a "block."

13. Simple Pulley

14. The Moveable pulley
Twice the distance
Half the effort

15. Block And Tackle (many moveable Pulleys)

16. The Inclined Plane
Moving an object up an inclined plane requires less force than lifting it straight up, at a cost of an increase in the distance moved. The mechanical advantage of an inclined plane, the factor by which the force is reduced, is equal to the ratio of the length of the sloped surface to the height it spans.[

17. Twice the distance half the effort.

18. Wedges

19. How are Wedges a Simple Machine?
PRESS

20. THE SCREW
Geometrically, a screw can be viewed as a narrow inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder.

21. Watch This Video

22. BILL NYE Video

23. Let’s put this all together
GOLDBERG INVENTIONS

24. A Rube Goldberg machine, contraption, invention, device, or apparatus is a deliberately over-engineered or overdone machine that performs a very simple task in a very complicated fashion, usually including a chain reaction. The expression is named after American cartoonist and inventor Rube Goldberg (1883–1970).

26. Simple Task Complex Process
Press here

28. Now It’s Your Turn!
One Simple Task.
10 Connected Machines.