2. Bret Chalpin, McCoy Smith, and Elaina Donlon

3. Levers Levers are one of the basic tools that were probably used in prehistoric times. Levers were first described about 260 BC by the ancient Greek mathematician Archimedes (287-212 BC).

4. Types of Levers There are three main types of levers. Type 1 levers Type 2 levers Type 3 levers

5. Type 1 Levers In a Type 1 Lever, the pivot (fulcrum) is between the effort and the load. In an off-center type one lever (like a pliers), the load is larger than the effort, but is moved through a smaller distance. Some examples are seesaws, scissors, and pliers.

6. Type 2 Levers In a Type 2 Lever, the load is between the pivot (fulcrum) and the effort. Some examples are staplers, bottle openers, and nail clippers

7. Type 3 Levers In a Type 3 Lever, the effort is between the pivot (fulcrum) and the load. Some examples are fishing rods, tweezers, and tongs.

8. Questions

9. 1. What scientist first described levers? 2. What type of lever has the load between the fulcrum and the effort? 3. What type of a lever are scissors?

10. Answers 1. Archimedes first introduced the lever. 2. Type 2 levers have the load between the fulcrum and the effort. 3. Scissors are a type 1 lever.