GENERAL SCIENCE - WEEK 3

Efficient Simple and Compound Machines

Grade 11 Student Self-Study Discussion Notes
What this lesson is about
This lesson explains how simple and compound machines help people do work more easily. It connects the
previous lesson on translational and rotational motion to real tools such as ramps, scissors, pulleys, wheels,
screws, wedges, bicycles, and wheelbarrows.
The goal is not to memorize complicated formulas. The goal is to understand how machines help us reduce
effort, change the direction of force, change motion, and improve efficiency.

General Science Week 3 - Efficient Simple and Compound Machines | Student Self-Study Notes
How to Use These Notes
Read these notes one section at a time. Each major idea is divided into short parts: what the term means,
a simpler explanation, everyday examples, and a short reminder. You do not need to memorize every
sentence. Focus on understanding how each machine helps make work easier.
 Read the "In Simple Words" explanation if the scientific wording feels difficult.
 Look at the examples and connect them to tools you see at home, in school, or in the community.
 Pay attention to the "Remember" boxes because they summarize the key idea.
 Use the prototype section to understand how to design a simple or compound machine, not just how to
name one.

Quick Contents
 Part 1: The Big Idea of the Lesson
 Part 2: Motion Behind Machines
 Part 3: Simple Machines
 Part 4: Compound Machines
 Part 5: How Machines Make Work Easier
 Part 6: Efficiency and Friction
 Part 7: Mechanical Advantage
 Part 8: Everyday Machine Examples
 Part 9: Designing a Machine Prototype
 Part 10: Lesson Wrap-Up and Glossary
 References and Sources

General Science Week 3 - Efficient Simple and Compound Machines | Student Self-Study Notes
Part 1: The Big Idea of the Lesson
The Week 3 lesson focuses on simple and compound machines. In the Grade 11 General Science Budget
of Work, learners are expected to apply concepts of translational and rotational motion to design and build
prototypes of efficient simple and compound machines and explain the characteristics of efficient machines
[1].

1. Why Do We Use Machines?

People use machines because many tasks are difficult, heavy, repetitive, slow, or unsafe to do using only
the human body. A machine helps a person do a task in an easier, safer, faster, or more controlled way.
Some machines help us lift objects. Others help us cut, split, carry, pull, push, or move objects from one
place to another.
In Simple Words
A machine is anything that helps make a task easier. It does not do magic. It simply helps us use force and
motion in a smarter way.

For example, scissors help us cut paper more neatly than tearing it by hand. A wheelbarrow helps us move
soil or cement without carrying the entire load with our arms. A ramp helps move heavy objects upward
without lifting them straight up. A bicycle helps a person travel farther than walking, because the wheels
and pedals use motion efficiently.
Remember
A machine does not make work disappear. It helps us do work in a better way.

2. What Does "Work" Mean in Science?

In everyday language, the word "work" can mean homework, chores, or a job. In science, work has a more
specific meaning. Work happens when a force causes an object to move. Force means a push or a pull.
Movement means the object changes position.
In Simple Words
Work means pushing or pulling something and making it move.

If you push a chair and the chair moves, work is done on the chair. If you pull a cart and the cart moves,
work is done on the cart. If you lift a bag from the floor to a table, work is done because your force moved
the bag upward. However, if you push a wall and the wall does not move, you may feel tired, but in
physics, no work is done on the wall because the wall did not move.
This matters because machines are designed to help with work. A machine may reduce the force needed,
change the direction of force, change the distance over which force is applied, or change one kind of
motion into another kind of motion.
Remember
In science, no movement means no work on the object, even if you used effort.

General Science Week 3 - Efficient Simple and Compound Machines | Student Self-Study Notes
Part 2: Motion Behind Machines
Before studying machines, it helps to remember the two important kinds of motion from the previous
lesson: translational motion and rotational motion. Week 3 uses these ideas to explain how tools and
machines operate.

3. Translational Motion
Translational motion happens when an object moves from one place to another. The object may move in a
straight line or along a curved path, but the important idea is that its position changes.
In Simple Words
Translational motion is movement from one location to another.

 A cart moving forward

 A book sliding across a table
 A person walking across the room
 A wheelbarrow moving across the ground
Remember
Translational motion is place-to-place movement.

4. Rotational Motion
Rotational motion happens when an object turns or spins around a fixed point or axis. The object may not
travel far from one place to another, but it rotates around a center, hinge, or pivot.
In Simple Words
Rotational motion is turning or spinning motion.

 A wheel spinning
 A door turning around its hinge
 A bicycle pedal rotating
 Scissors opening and closing around a pivot
Remember
Rotational motion happens when something turns around a point or axis.

5. How Both Motions Work Together in Machines

Many machines use translational motion and rotational motion at the same time. A wheelbarrow moves
forward, which is translational motion, while its wheel rotates, which is rotational motion. A bicycle moves
from one place to another, while the wheels, pedals, and gears rotate. Scissors may stay in one place, but
the handles and blades rotate around a pivot to create cutting motion.
This is why the previous lesson on motion is important. Efficient machines often use motion in a smart way.
They may change one kind of motion into another, or combine moving forward with turning parts.
Remember
Machines often combine moving from place to place and turning around a point.

General Science Week 3 - Efficient Simple and Compound Machines | Student Self-Study Notes
Part 3: Simple Machines
6. What Is a Simple Machine?
A simple machine is a basic mechanical device that changes the direction or size of a force. It helps make
work easier by allowing people to push, pull, lift, cut, split, or move objects more effectively. The
PowerPoint for this lesson describes a simple machine as a mechanical device that changes the direction
or magnitude of a force [4].
In Simple Words
A simple machine is one basic tool that helps make work easier.

There are six classical simple machines. These are the lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane,
wedge, and screw. Many tools that we use every day are based on one or more of these simple machines.
Simple Machine Main Idea Common Examples
Lever A stiff bar that turns around a fixed Seesaw, scissors, bottle opener,
point crowbar
Wheel and Axle A wheel attached to a smaller rod Bicycle wheel, doorknob, cart
that turns with it wheel
Pulley A wheel with a rope or belt around Flagpole, water well pulley, lifting
it equipment
Inclined Plane A slanted surface that helps move Ramp, stairs, sloped road
objects up or down
Wedge A tool that cuts, splits, or Knife, axe, nail, chisel
separates
Screw An inclined plane wrapped around Screw, jar lid, bottle cap, drill bit
a cylinder

Remember
Simple machines are the basic building blocks of many tools and larger machines.

7. Lever
A lever is a stiff bar or rigid rod that turns around a fixed point called a fulcrum. The PowerPoint explains
that a lever is a machine made of a beam or rigid rod pivoted at a fixed hinge or fulcrum [4].
In Simple Words
A lever is like a bar that helps lift or move something by turning around a support point.

Parts of a Lever
 Fulcrum - the fixed point where the lever turns
 Effort - the force that you apply
 Load - the object or weight being moved
A seesaw is a simple example. The middle support is the fulcrum. A person pushing down on one side
gives the effort. The person or object on the other side is the load. A lever can make lifting easier,
especially when the effort is applied far from the fulcrum.
General Science Week 3 - Efficient Simple and Compound Machines | Student Self-Study Notes
Types of Levers
Lever Class Position of Parts Simple Explanation Examples
First-class lever Fulcrum is in the middle The support point is Seesaw, pliers, scissors
between the effort and
the load.
Second-class lever Load is in the middle The load is between the Wheelbarrow,
fulcrum and the effort. nutcracker, bottle opener
Third-class lever Effort is in the middle The effort is applied Human forearm, broom,
between the fulcrum and tweezers, fishing rod
the load.

Remember
A lever helps by turning around a fixed point. The location of the fulcrum, effort, and load affects how the lever
works.

8. Wheel and Axle

A wheel and axle is made of a wheel attached to a smaller rod or shaft called an axle. The wheel and axle
rotate together, and force is transferred from one part to the other. This idea appears in the PowerPoint as
a wheel attached to an axle so that the two parts rotate together [4].
In Simple Words
A wheel and axle helps things roll or turn more easily.

A wheel makes movement easier because rolling usually requires less effort than dragging. Think about
moving a heavy bag. Dragging it across the floor can be difficult because the surface rubs against the bag.
But if the bag is placed on a cart, the wheels roll and the movement becomes easier.
 Bicycle wheels
 Cart wheels
 Doorknobs
 Steering wheels
 Screwdriver handles
Remember
A wheel and axle makes movement smoother and easier by using rotation.

9. Pulley
A pulley is a wheel on an axle that supports the movement of a rope, cable, or belt. The PowerPoint states
that pulleys are used to lift loads, apply forces, and transmit power [4].
In Simple Words
A pulley helps lift or move objects using a rope or belt.

A common example is a flagpole. The rope moves around the pulley at the top. When you pull one side of
the rope downward, the flag goes upward. This does not make the flag weightless, but it changes the
direction of force. Pulling downward may be easier and safer than trying to lift the flag upward directly.
Pulleys can also be used in belts, engines, cranes, wells, and exercise equipment. In some pulley systems,
several pulleys work together to make lifting heavy objects easier.

General Science Week 3 - Efficient Simple and Compound Machines | Student Self-Study Notes
Remember
A pulley can help lift objects and can change the direction of force.

10. Inclined Plane

An inclined plane is a flat surface that is higher on one end than the other. In simple terms, it is a ramp.
The PowerPoint explains that inclined planes make the work of moving things easier [4].
In Simple Words
An inclined plane is a slanted surface that helps move objects up or down.

A ramp makes it easier to move a heavy object upward because you do not need to lift the object straight
up. Instead, you move the object along a longer slanted path. This is an important trade-off: the force
needed becomes smaller, but the distance traveled becomes longer.
 Wheelchair ramp
 Loading ramp for trucks
 Stairs
 Sloped road
 A board used to push a box into a higher place
Remember
A ramp reduces the force needed, but the object must move through a longer distance.

11. Wedge
A wedge is a simple machine used for cutting, splitting, separating, lifting slightly, or holding an object in
place. A wedge can be understood as a moving inclined plane. The PowerPoint describes it as a portable
inclined plane used to separate objects or portions of an object [4].
In Simple Words
A wedge is a tool with a sharp or pointed edge that cuts, splits, or separates.

When you push a knife into food, the sharp edge forces the material apart. When an axe hits wood, the
wedge shape pushes the wood apart. When a nail is hammered into wood, its pointed end separates the
material so it can enter.
 Knife
 Axe
 Nail
 Chisel
 Doorstop
Remember
A wedge changes a pushing force into cutting, splitting, or separating action.

12. Screw
A screw is an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder. The raised spiral part around the screw is called
the thread. The PowerPoint explains that a screw converts rotational motion into linear motion [4].
In Simple Words
A screw is like a ramp wrapped around a post. When you turn it, it moves forward or backward.

General Science Week 3 - Efficient Simple and Compound Machines | Student Self-Study Notes
When you turn a screw into wood, your hand gives rotational motion. The screw then moves forward into
the material. This means a screw changes turning motion into straight-line motion. This is why screws are
useful for fastening objects tightly.
 Screw nail
 Bottle cap
 Jar lid
 Drill bit
 Light bulb base
Remember
A screw changes rotation into forward movement.

General Science Week 3 - Efficient Simple and Compound Machines | Student Self-Study Notes
Part 4: Compound Machines
13. What Is a Compound Machine?
A compound machine is made of two or more simple machines working together. The PowerPoint defines
a compound machine as a combination of two or more simple machines and shows examples of larger
complex machines such as machines, vehicles, engines, and bicycles [4].
In Simple Words
A compound machine is a tool or device that combines simple machines to do a bigger or more complex task.

Compound machines are common in daily life. A pair of scissors is a compound machine because the
handles act as levers and the blades act as wedges. A wheelbarrow combines a lever with a wheel and
axle. A can opener combines a lever, a wheel and axle, and a wedge. A bicycle combines wheels, axles,
pedals, gears, chains, and brakes.
Compound Machine Simple Machines Inside How It Helps
Scissors Lever + wedge Handles apply force; blades cut
the material.
Wheelbarrow Lever + wheel and axle Handles lift part of the load; wheel
makes movement easier.
Can opener Lever + wheel and axle + wedge Handles apply force; turning part
moves; blade cuts the can.
Bicycle Wheel and axle + levers + gears Pedaling turns the wheels and
helps the rider move forward.
Stapler Lever + wedge The top arm pushes down; the
staple pierces paper.

A compound machine is not automatically more efficient just because it has more parts. More parts can
make a machine do a more complex task, but more parts can also create more friction. This is why good
design and proper maintenance are important.
Remember
A compound machine is a combination of simple machines, but good design is still needed for efficiency.

General Science Week 3 - Efficient Simple and Compound Machines | Student Self-Study Notes
Part 5: How Machines Make Work Easier
Machines make work easier in several ways. They can reduce the force needed, change the direction of
force, change the type of motion, or make work safer and more controlled. These ideas explain why simple
machines are useful even if they do not remove work completely.

14. Machines Can Reduce the Force Needed

Some machines allow a person to use less force to complete a task. A ramp is a good example. Lifting a
heavy box straight upward may require a large force. Pushing the same box up a ramp may require less
force, although the box must travel a longer distance.
In Simple Words
The machine makes the task feel lighter or easier, but the work is spread out over a longer path.

This is why ramps are used in loading areas, hospitals, schools, and sidewalks. A ramp can help people
move wheelchairs, carts, boxes, and equipment more safely.
Remember
Machines can reduce effort, but they do not remove the need for work.

15. Machines Can Change the Direction of Force

Some machines help by changing the direction of force. A pulley can allow a person to pull downward
while the object moves upward. Pulling downward may be easier because the person can use body weight
and a more comfortable position.
In Simple Words
The machine lets you push or pull in a direction that is easier for your body.

This is useful in flagpoles, wells, cranes, and some lifting systems. The object still has weight, but the
pulley changes how the force is applied.
Remember
Changing direction can make work easier, safer, or more comfortable.

16. Machines Can Change the Type of Motion

Some machines change one kind of motion into another. A screw changes rotational motion into straight-
line motion. Scissors change the rotating motion of the handles into cutting motion at the blades. A bicycle
changes the movement of the legs into rotation of the pedals and wheels.
In Simple Words
A machine can turn one kind of movement into another kind of movement that is more useful.

This is one reason why machines are powerful. They do not only make tasks easier; they also control how
motion happens.
Remember
Machines can transform motion into a useful form.

General Science Week 3 - Efficient Simple and Compound Machines | Student Self-Study Notes
Part 6: Efficiency and Friction
17. What Is Machine Efficiency?
Efficiency describes how well a machine uses the effort or energy given to it. A machine is more efficient
when more of the input effort becomes useful output and less is wasted. OpenStax summarizes machine
efficiency as the ratio of output work to input work [5].
In Simple Words
An efficient machine does the job well with less wasted effort.

For this Grade 11 lesson, it is more important to understand the practical meaning of efficiency than to
memorize many formulas. A machine is efficient if it is useful, safe, smooth-moving, strong enough for the
task, and not wasting too much effort. The best machine is not always the biggest or most complicated
one. The best machine is the one that fits the task and works well.

Examples of Efficiency
 Sharp scissors are more efficient than dull scissors because they cut with less effort.
 A wheelbarrow with a smooth wheel is more efficient than one with a stuck or damaged wheel.
 A properly sloped ramp is safer and easier to use than a ramp that is too steep.
 A clean and oiled bicycle chain is more efficient than a rusty chain because less effort is wasted.

Characteristics of an Efficient Machine

 Useful for the task
 Safe to use
 Easy to operate
 Strong enough for the load
 Not too heavy or complicated
 Smooth-moving
 Designed to reduce wasted effort
Remember
An efficient machine helps complete a task with less wasted energy and effort.

18. Friction: The Force That Slows Motion

Friction is a force that happens when two surfaces rub against each other. Friction can slow motion down.
In machines, too much friction can make a task harder because more effort is needed to overcome the
rubbing between parts.
In Simple Words
Friction is rubbing that slows things down.

For example, a rusty door hinge is harder to move. A dry bicycle chain is harder to pedal. Dull scissors are
harder to use because the blades do not cut smoothly. A wheelbarrow with a stuck wheel is difficult to push
because the wheel does not rotate properly.
Friction is not always bad. We need friction to walk, hold objects, write with a pencil, and stop vehicles
using brakes. However, too much friction inside a machine makes it less efficient because energy is
wasted as heat, sound, or unwanted movement.
Remember

General Science Week 3 - Efficient Simple and Compound Machines | Student Self-Study Notes
Friction can be helpful, but too much friction inside a machine wastes effort.

19. How to Reduce Wasted Effort

A machine becomes more efficient when less effort is wasted. This can be done through good design and
proper care. Maintenance is important because even a good machine can become inefficient if it is dirty,
rusty, dull, or damaged.
 Oil or lubricate moving parts.
 Clean dirty parts.
 Smooth rough surfaces.
 Sharpen cutting tools.
 Use wheels instead of dragging objects.
 Make sure parts are properly aligned.
 Use materials that are strong but not unnecessarily heavy.
Remember
Good design and proper maintenance help machines work better.

General Science Week 3 - Efficient Simple and Compound Machines | Student Self-Study Notes
Part 7: Mechanical Advantage
20. What Is Mechanical Advantage?
Mechanical advantage describes how much a machine helps increase, reduce, or redirect force. In many
simple machines, a smaller effort can move a larger load, but usually the effort must be applied over a
longer distance. OpenStax explains mechanical advantage as the ratio of output force to input force [5].
In Simple Words
Mechanical advantage means the help given by a machine.

A bottle opener gives mechanical advantage because it helps remove a bottle cap with less effort than
using fingers alone. A wheelbarrow gives mechanical advantage because it helps carry a heavy load more
easily. A ramp gives mechanical advantage because it reduces the force needed to move an object
upward.

Optional Formula
Mechanical Advantage = Output Force / Input Force
This formula simply compares what the machine gives back to the effort you put in. For this lesson, the
most important idea is not the formula itself but the meaning: a machine has mechanical advantage when
it makes a task easier or more manageable.
Remember
Mechanical advantage means a machine helps you do a task more easily, often by trading force for distance or
by changing direction.

General Science Week 3 - Efficient Simple and Compound Machines | Student Self-Study Notes
Part 8: Everyday Machine Examples
This part connects the lesson to real objects. When studying a machine, ask four questions: What simple
machines are inside it? What motion happens? How does it make work easier? What can make it
inefficient?

21. Scissors
Scissors combine levers and wedges.
How it works
The handles act like levers. The pivot is the fulcrum. The blades act like wedges that cut the material.

Motion involved: The handles and blades rotate around the pivot.
What makes it efficient: Sharp blades and smooth movement make scissors easier to use. Dull or rusty
scissors waste effort.

22. Wheelbarrow
A wheelbarrow combines a lever and a wheel and axle.
How it works
The handles help lift part of the load, while the wheel helps move the load forward.

Motion involved: The wheel rotates while the whole wheelbarrow moves forward.
What makes it efficient: A smooth wheel, strong handles, and proper load placement make it easier to
push.

23. Bicycle
A bicycle uses wheels, axles, levers, pedals, gears, chain, and brakes.
How it works
The rider pushes the pedals. The pedals rotate, the chain transfers motion, and the wheels turn so the bicycle
moves forward.

Motion involved: The wheels and pedals rotate while the bicycle moves from place to place.
What makes it efficient: Properly inflated tires, a clean chain, working brakes, and correct gear use help the
bicycle move better.

24. Can Opener

A can opener may use a lever, wheel and axle, and wedge.
How it works
The handles help apply force. The turning wheel moves the blade. The blade cuts the can.

Motion involved: The handle or knob rotates, and the cutting blade moves around the can.
What makes it efficient: A sharp blade and smooth turning mechanism make the can opener easier to use.

25. Ramp
A ramp is an inclined plane.
How it works
General Science Week 3 - Efficient Simple and Compound Machines | Student Self-Study Notes
It allows an object to move upward gradually instead of being lifted straight up.

Motion involved: The object moves along the surface of the ramp.
What makes it efficient: A proper slope makes the ramp safer and easier. A ramp that is too steep may still
require too much force.

26. Larger Compound Machines

Machines such as bicycles, engines, lathes, and vehicles contain many simple machine parts.
How it works
These machines are more complex because many parts work together to transfer force and motion.

Motion involved: They often combine translational motion, rotational motion, and changes in force
direction.
What makes it efficient: Good design, proper alignment, and maintenance are needed because more parts
can also mean more friction.

General Science Week 3 - Efficient Simple and Compound Machines | Student Self-Study Notes
Part 9: Designing a Simple or Compound Machine Prototype
27. What Is a Prototype?
A prototype is an early model of a design. It is not expected to be perfect. Its purpose is to show how an
idea works so that it can be tested and improved. The Week 3 lesson plan includes constructing models or
prototypes using inexpensive or recycled materials [2].
In Simple Words
A prototype is a simple version of an idea that you can build, test, and improve.

For example, a small cardboard ramp can be a prototype for a loading ramp. A lever made from a ruler and
a pencil can be a prototype for a lifting tool. A small cart made from bottle caps and sticks can show how a
wheel and axle helps movement.
Remember
A prototype does not need to look perfect. It needs to show how the machine idea works.

28. How to Design a Machine Prototype

When designing a machine, the goal is not just to make something move. The goal is to make something
useful, safe, and efficient. A good prototype should answer a real problem, use an appropriate simple
machine or compound machine, and show how force and motion help complete the task.
1. Identify the task. Decide what the machine should help with, such as lifting, moving, carrying, cutting,
or changing the direction of force.
2. Choose the simple machine or combination of simple machines. Use a ramp for moving objects
upward, a lever for lifting, wheels for moving, a wedge for cutting, or a pulley for lifting and changing
force direction.
3. Draw the design. Sketch the parts and label the simple machines used.
4. Choose safe materials. Use available materials such as cardboard, bottle caps, string, tape, sticks,
rubber bands, and recycled containers.
5. Build and test. Try the prototype carefully. Check if it works, if it is safe, and if it makes the task easier.
6. Improve one part. If the prototype is hard to use, unstable, too heavy, or not smooth, change one part
and test again.

Simple Prototype Ideas

Problem Possible Machine Prototype Idea
Move a small object upward Inclined plane Build a cardboard ramp and test
different slopes.
Lift a small load Lever Use a ruler as a lever and a pencil
as the fulcrum.
Move objects across a table Wheel and axle Make a small cart using bottle
caps as wheels.
Cut or split soft material Wedge Show how a triangular cardboard
wedge separates light materials.
Lift or pull using a string Pulley Use a spool or wheel-like object
with string to show lifting direction.

General Science Week 3 - Efficient Simple and Compound Machines | Student Self-Study Notes
General Science Week 3 - Efficient Simple and Compound Machines | Student Self-Study Notes
Part 10: Lesson Wrap-Up and Glossary
29. Key Ideas to Remember
 Machines help people do work more easily, safely, quickly, or with better control.
 Work in science means force causing movement.
 Translational motion is movement from one place to another.
 Rotational motion is turning or spinning around a point or axis.
 Simple machines include levers, wheel and axle, pulleys, inclined planes, wedges, and screws.
 Compound machines combine two or more simple machines.
 Efficient machines reduce wasted effort and are useful, safe, and smooth-moving.
 Friction can make machines less efficient when there is too much rubbing between moving parts.
 Mechanical advantage means the help given by a machine.
 A good prototype should show how a machine idea works and how it can be improved.

30. Think About This

These are not test questions. Use them to check your own understanding and connect the lesson to daily
life.
 What machine do you use at home most often?
 What simple machines are found inside that tool?
 How does it make work easier?
 What could make it more efficient?
 What simple or compound machine would you design to help with a daily task?

31. Short Glossary

Term Simple Meaning
Machine A tool or device that helps people do work more
easily.
Work In science, work happens when a force causes an
object to move.
Force A push or pull.
Translational motion Movement from one place to another.
Rotational motion Turning or spinning around a point or axis.
Simple machine A basic machine that changes the direction or size of
a force.
Compound machine A machine made of two or more simple machines
working together.
Lever A stiff bar that turns around a fixed point.
Fulcrum The fixed point where a lever turns.
Wheel and axle A wheel attached to a rod or shaft so that both rotate
together.
Pulley A wheel with a rope, cable, or belt around it.
Inclined plane A slanted surface, such as a ramp.
Wedge A simple machine used for cutting, splitting, or

General Science Week 3 - Efficient Simple and Compound Machines | Student Self-Study Notes
 separating.
Screw An inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder.
Friction A force that happens when surfaces rub and slow
motion down.
Efficiency How well a machine uses effort or energy without
wasting too much.
Mechanical advantage The help a machine gives in making a task easier.
Prototype An early model of a design that can be tested and
improved.

General Science Week 3 - Efficient Simple and Compound Machines | Student Self-Study Notes
References and Sources
The lesson notes above were prepared from the provided Grade 11 General Science lesson materials and
aligned with the Week 3 focus on efficient simple and compound machines. Online sources are included as
clickable hyperlinks for additional reading.
[1] Department of Education. (2026). Strengthened Senior High School Curriculum: Grade 11 General
Science - First Trimester Budget of Work (BOW). Provided class source: [Link].
[2] Egut, Z. B. (2026). General Science Week 3 ILAW Lesson Plan: Efficient Simple and Compound
Machines. Provided class source: [Link].
[3] Department of Education / Teacher-developed source. (2026). G11 First Term General Science Week
3: Simple and Compound Machines. Provided class source:
G11_First_Term_GSCI_W03_Simple_Compound_Machines.pdf.
[4] Teacher-provided PowerPoint. GenSCI_Week3_Simple__compound_machines.pptx. Used as the slide
reference for definitions, the six simple machines, lever classes, pulleys, wheel and axle, and compound
machine examples.
[5] OpenStax. (2020). Physics: 9.3 Simple Machines. [Link]
machines
[6] OpenStax. (2020). Physics: Chapter 9 Section Summary. [Link]
section-summary
[7] Department of Education. DepEd Learning Resource Portal. [Link]
Note: This document is a student-facing discussion guide. It simplifies scientific ideas without removing the
core concepts required by the Grade 11 General Science Week 3 lesson.

General Science Week 3 - Efficient Simple and Compound Machines | Student Self-Study Notes