Simple machines are tools that make work easier. They include the lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge, and screw. Each machine allows us to lift, pull, push, cut or hold objects with less effort than using just our muscles alone.

1. Simple Machines

2. What is a simple machine? It is a simple tool we use to make work easier.

3. What is a lever? A lever is a bar that moves around a fixed point. How do we use it? Levers help us lift, pull, and push things.

4. What is a wheel-and-axle? It is made up of a wheel that is connected to an axle and move together. How we we use it? Helps us move things.

5. What is a pulley? A pulley is a wheel with a rope wrapped around it. How do we use it? Helps us move things up and down.

6. What is an inclined plane? It is a flat surface with one side higher than the other. How do we use it? Helps us move up and down.

7. What is a wedge? A wedge is two inclined planes placed back to back. How do we use it? To cut things.

8. What is a screw? An inclined plane wrapped around a pole. How do we use it? To hold things together.

9. Image Sources: http://www.fi.edu/qa97/spotlight3/spotlight3.html http://www.coolschool.ca/lor/SC9/unit16/U16L04/SimpleMachinesImages.jpg http://www.rockingham.k12.va.us/sound_sorting/initial_blends/br/pages/broom.htm http://www.wpclipart.com/tools/hammer/hammer_1.png http://www.sbac.edu/~tpl/clipart/Toys/seesaw.jpg http://library.thinkquest.org/CR0210120/Media/ferris http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/cga/lowres/cgan628l.jpg http://opkansas.org/_Assets/cm/media_photos/slide.jpg http://library.thinkquest.org/J002079F/images/log_splitter_wedge.jpg http://www.yourdictionary.com/images/ahd/jpg/A4screw.jpg http://www.seawear.com/images/fish-hooks/shark-hook~102.jpg