Simple Machines
SOL 3.2
By Ms. Weinberg
Adapted by K. Green
ITRT – Suffolk City Schools
©A. Weinberg
Simple machines are tools used
to make work easier.
©A. Weinberg
You have probably used some simple
machines, but did not realize that they
were actually called simple machines!
©A. Weinberg
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!
©A. Weinberg
There are 6 different types of
simple machines:
•(1)lever •(4)wheel & axle
•(2)screw •(5)inclined plane
•(3)pulley •(6)wedge
©A. Weinberg
6 Simple Machines
©A. Weinberg
(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.
©A. Weinberg
A shovel is an example of a lever.
A seesaw is another example of a lever.
©A. Weinberg
(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.
©A. Weinberg
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….
©A. Weinberg
(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.
©A. Weinberg
A flagpole uses a pulley to raise the flag.
Now we have learned about 3 types of simple
machines: levers, screws, and pulleys…..
©A. Weinberg
(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.
©A. Weinberg
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.
©A. Weinberg
(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.
©A. Weinberg
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).
©A. Weinberg
(6) WEDGE
A wedge is wide at one end and pointed at
the other to help cut or split other objects.
©A. Weinberg
Examples of wedges: a knife or an ax
©A. Weinberg
Now you know about the 6 types of simple
machines:
(4) WHEEL &
(1) LEVER AXLE
(2) SCREW
(5)
(3) PULLEY INCLINED
PLANE
(6) WEDGE
©A. Weinberg
Simple Machine
Video & Quiz
©A. Weinberg
Simple Machine Websites
• Information
• More Links & Information
• EdHead
– Click the Green, Start Box
• DirtMeister
– Simple Machines
©A. Weinberg
These simple machines make work easier!
Can you Name them?
©A. Weinberg
©A. Weinberg