Simple Machines

What are Simple Machines?

Simple machines can help

us make work easier. They
have a simple build and do
not have many parts.
Inclined Plane
 Inclined Plane
A flat surface raised at an
angle surface, looks like a
ramp.

ex. Stairs, slide, wood ramp,

roof and truck ramp
How do inclined PLanes help us?

Inclined plane helps us by

lifting or raising a heavy
object. A slide is a fun and safe
way to go from a higher area
to a flat area.
Wedge
 Wedge
Objects with two inclined
planes positioned back to back
that tapers to a thin edge.

ex. Nails, axes, pins and knives

How do Wedges help us?

Wedges help us by making

it easier to split or cut an
object. Objects like forks,
knives and even our teeth
are wedges.
Wheel & Axle
 Wheel & Axle
Made up of circular frame
(wheel) that revolves on a
shaft or rod (axle).

ex. Rolling pin, doorknob,

pizza cutter, bicycle, ferris
wheel and steering wheel
How does a Wheel & Axle help us?

A wheel and axle helps us by making it easier to

carry heavy loads quickly over long distances.
They can also help us steer, turn and lift loads. A
wheelchair helps people move their bodies from
one place to another.
Pulley
 Pulley
A wheel carries a flexible rope,
cord, cable, chain or belt on its
rim.
ex. Flagpole, ropes on a sailboat,
and movable clothesline, exercise
machine
How does the pulley help us?

The pulley helps us by lifting a load

from a low area to a high area. We
use pulleys to help us lift a flag or
raise up curtains.
Screw
Screw
A long inclined plane wrapped
around a shaft. A circular
cylindrical thing with a
continuous winding or spiral
rib.
ex. Jar lid, bolt and bottom end
of a bulb
 How do Screws help us?

Screws help us fastens things

and to hold lifted objects. A
light bulb is screwed into the
base so it does not fall out
and lights up!
Lever
Lever
A long beam or bar that rests or turns
or lifts on support (fulcrum). The lever
has 3 parts: fulcrum, load and effort.

ex. Can opener, tweezers, balance

scale, and wheelbarrow
Lever
Fulcrum – is the supporting
point of the lever.
Effort – is the force used to
cause movement.
Load – is the weight being
move or lifted.
 How does a lever help us?

Levers helps us by making it easier

to lift, remove or pull out heavy
objects. Seesaws are fun to use with
friends and wheelbarrow help us
carry loads over distances.
Classes of lever
Fulcrum is located between
the load and effort.

ex. Scissors, crowbar and

seesaw
Classes of lever
Load is located between the
fulcrum and effort.

ex. Wagon, bottle opener,

nutcracker
Classes of lever
Effort is located between the
fulcrum and load.

ex. Broom, stapler and fishing

rod
Can you name all the Simple
machines?
Wedge Lever Screw

Pulley Inclined Plane Wheel & Axle