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READING MATERIAL
Read About Simple Machines
WHAT ARE SIMPLE MACHINES?
Simple machines make work easier. They have few or no moving parts and they work by changing the direction of a force or the amount of force needed to do something.
To better understand how simple machines work…
LET’S BREAK IT DOWN!
There are six different
simple machines.
The six simple machines are the wedge, screw,
lever, pulley, inclined plane and the wheel and
axle. They all make work easier and have few or
no moving parts.
A pulley can move things
from a low area to a
higher one.
A pulley has a wheel that allows you to change the direction of a force. As you pull down on
the rope, the wheel turns and whatever is attached to the other end goes up.
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A lever helps move heavy
objects.
When you push down on one side of a lever, the
other side goes up. Levers can also be used to
lift heavy objects such as a rock or furniture. A
seesaw is an example of a lever.
A wedge is a simple
machine used to split
material.
By placing the thin end of the wedge onto a log, you can hit it with a hammer. The wedge
changes the direction of the force and it pushes the log apart.
An inclined plane can
help you to move heavy
objects.
It is easier to move heavy things up a ramp than
it is to lift them straight up. A ramp is a
common example of an inclined plane. It takes
longer to go up one, but it is easier.
SIMPLE MACHINES VOCABULARY
What are some examples of using a wedge?
An axe is a wedge that can be used to split a piece of wood. A knife is a wedge you use every day. You can also use a wedge to hold open a door.
