Simple Machines

This has one or no moving parts. 

• simple machine
• complex machine

a wheel with a rope or belt around it. Helps a person lift or move something up, down, or across an area. 

• screw
• pulley

Often used to hold things together. 

• inclined plane
• screw

-moves at the same time
-both parts turn to help a person move something

• wedge
• wheel and axle

-a ramp
-flat surface that is higher at one end. 
-helps a person move something up or down from one place to another

• inclined plane
• pulley

-a flat bar that rests on a fulcrum
-helps a person move or lift something
-example is a see-saw

• lever
• wedge

-object with a sharp edge
-helps spread or cut something

• wedge
• wheel and axle

-object with a sharp edge
-helps spread or cut something

• wedge
• wheel and axle

Which is an example of someone using a simple machine to do work?

• a boy runs across a football field
• a banker counts money
• a mother pushes a stroller up a ramp
• a girl eats a sandwich

Which is a characteristic of a simple machine?

• They run on electricity.
• They take a long time to make.
• They have few or no moving parts.
• They are not very large.