There are six simple machines. They make work easier. Let's find them.
The lever. The wheel and axle. The pulley. The inclined plane. The wedge. The screw.
A lever is a bar. It turns around a pivot point. That point is called the fulcrum.
A seesaw is a lever. Scissors are a lever too. A wheelbarrow is a lever too.
A ramp is an inclined plane. So are stairs. It makes it easier to move something upward. But the path is longer.
A wedge pushes things apart or cuts them. A door stop is a wedge. A knife is a wedge too. Ask a grown-up to help with sharp or heavy tools.
A pulley is a wheel that a rope goes over. A flag pole uses a pulley to raise the flag.
A wheel and axle helps move a load. It works by turning or rolling. A bicycle is a wheel and axle too.
A screw helps to hold things together. A screw turns a twist into forward or backward movement.
Two or more simple machines make a compound machine. Simple machines make work easier.
Words to know
- lever: turning bar
- fulcrum: the pivot point
- wedge: pushes things apart
- pulley: wheel with rope
- compound: made of parts
