Simple Machines
1. Lever
A lever is a simple machine that helps us lift or move things with less effort. It has a bar that rests on a point called the fulcrum. By pushing down on one end of the bar, you can lift something heavy on the other end.
Example: A seesaw is a type of lever. When one person sits on one end, they can lift another person on the other end by pushing down on their side.
2. Pulley
A pulley is a simple machine that uses a wheel and a rope to lift things. By pulling down on the rope, you can lift something heavy up. Pulleys can be used alone or in groups to make lifting easier.
Example: A flagpole uses a pulley to raise and lower the flag. By pulling the rope down, you can lift the flag up the pole.
3. Wheel and Axle
A wheel and axle is a simple machine that helps us move things. The wheel is attached to a rod called the axle. When the wheel turns, the axle turns too, making it easier to move heavy objects.
Example: A toy car has wheels and axles. When you push the car, the wheels turn and the car moves forward easily.
4. Inclined Plane
An inclined plane is a simple machine that helps us lift things by making them go up a slope instead of straight up. This makes the work easier because you don't have to lift the object as high.
Example: A ramp is an inclined plane. When you push a heavy box up a ramp, you don't have to lift it straight up, making it easier to move.
5. Wedge
A wedge is a simple machine that helps us split things apart. It has two sloping sides that come to a point. When you push the wedge into something, it splits it into two parts.
Example: An axe is a type of wedge. When you swing the axe into a piece of wood, it splits the wood into smaller pieces.
6. Screw
A screw is a simple machine that helps us hold things together. It has a spiral shape that digs into materials when you turn it. This makes it easy to attach things like wood or metal.
Example: A screwdriver is used to turn screws. When you turn the screwdriver, the screw goes into the wood, holding two pieces together.