This document defines and provides examples of six simple machines: lever, screw, pulley, wheel and axle, inclined plane, and wedge. It explains that simple machines make work easier by changing the direction or amount of force needed, though they do not decrease the total work. Examples are given for each machine type to illustrate how they function and are used.

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SimpleSimple
MachinesMachines
SOL 3.2
By Ms. Weinberg
Adapted by K. Green
ITRT – Suffolk City Schools

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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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6 Simple Machines6 Simple Machines

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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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Simple MachineSimple Machine
Video & QuizVideo & Quiz

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Simple Machine WebsitesSimple Machine Websites
• Information
• More Links & Information
• EdHead
– Click the Green, Start Box
• DirtMeister
– Simple Machines

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These simple machines make work
easier! Can you Name them?

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