The six simple machines and basic force and motion concepts for an elementary or middle school physical science unit. Front: the machine or term. Back: a plain-language definition with an example.
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- Simple machine
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A device that makes work easier by changing the direction or size of a force. Examples: lever, pulley, ramp.- Lever
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A straight bar or rod that pivots on a fixed point called a fulcrum to lift or move objects. Example: a seesaw or crowbar.- Fulcrum
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The fixed point or pivot that a lever rotates around. Example: the middle of a seesaw.- Crowbar
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A type of lever used to pry things open or move heavy objects. Example: using a crowbar to open a crate.- Seesaw
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An example of a lever where two people sit at opposite ends and pivot on a fulcrum in the middle to go up and down.- Wheel and axle
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A simple machine made of a wheel attached to a rod or shaft that reduces the force needed to move something. Example: a doorknob or bicycle wheel.- Doorknob
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An example of a wheel and axle simple machine, where turning the small knob causes the larger mechanism inside to turn.- Bicycle wheel
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An example of a wheel and axle machine where the wheel rotates around an axle through its center, making pedaling more efficient.- Pulley
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A wheel with a grooved rim for holding a rope or cable, used to lift objects or change the direction of a force. Example: a flagpole or crane.- Fixed pulley
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A pulley that is attached in one place and changes the direction of a force but does not make it smaller. Example: a pulley at the top of a flagpole.- Movable pulley
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A pulley that moves up and down and reduces the amount of force needed to lift an object. Example: a pulley on a construction crane's hook.- Flagpole pulley
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An example of a fixed pulley where a rope passes over a pulley at the top to raise and lower a flag.- Inclined plane
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A flat surface tilted at an angle, used to move objects up or down with less force than lifting straight up. Example: a ramp or a hill.- Staircase
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An example of an inclined plane that makes it easier to go up or down a height compared to climbing straight up.- Wedge
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A simple machine made of two inclined planes back-to-back, used to split or cut objects. Example: an axe, knife, or doorstop.
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