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Simple Machines

SOL 3.2

By Ms. Weinberg

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Simple machines are tools used to make work

easier.

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You have probably used some simple machines, but did not realize that they were actually

called simple machines!

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Simple machines do not make less work; they just make it easier

to do work.

It would be hard to cut this wood without the saw!

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There are 6 different types of simple machines:

•(1)lever

•(2)screw

•(3)pulley

•(4)wheel & axle

•(5)inclined plane

•(6)wedge

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(1) LEVER

A lever is a stiff bar that moves about a fixed point (fulcrum).

A lever is used to push, pull, or lift things.

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A shovel is an example of a lever.

A seesaw is another example of a lever.

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(2) SCREW

A screw is an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder or cone.

A common use of the screw is to hold objects together.

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A jar lid and a wood screw are examples of a screw.

So far we have learned about 2 types of simple machines: levers & screws….

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(3) PULLEY

A pulley is a wheel that has a rope wrapped around it.

Pulleys can be used to lift heavy objects by changing the direction

or amount of the force.

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A flagpole uses a pulley to raise the flag.

Now we have learned about 3 types of simple machines: levers, screws, and pulleys…..

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(4) WHEEL & AXLE

A wheel & axle consists of a rod attached to a wheel.

A wheel & axle makes it easier to move or turn things.

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A bicycle wheel, roller skates, and a doorknob are all examples of a wheel

& axle.

We now know about 4 types of simple machines: levers, screws, pulleys, and wheels & axles.

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(5) INCLINED PLANE

An inclined plane is a flat surface that is raised so that one end is

higher than the other.

An inclined plane helps move heavy objects up or down.

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A ramp is an example of an inclined plane.

Let’s add inclined plane to our list of simple machines (along with levers, screws, pulleys, and wheels & axles).

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(6) WEDGE

A wedge is wide at one end and pointed at the other to help cut or

split other objects.

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Examples of wedges: a knife or an ax

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Now you know about the 6 types of simple machines:

(1) LEVER

(2) SCREW

(6) WEDGE

(3) PULLEY

(4) WHEEL & AXLE

(5) INCLINED

PLANE

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These simple machines make work easier!

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