Force: Any Interaction with a Load to Change the Movement of the Load

Name:______Date:______

Simple Machines!

Pulleys:

Definitions: Load: a resistance to force Force: any interaction with a load to change the movement of the load

Questions: 1. How do you think the pulley works? Use your own words and draw pictures if it helps! Make sure to label your picture.

2. What are some examples of pulleys in your life (classroom, house, public places, etc.)? Now try to build your own pulley using the simple machine kits and use the model for help. Write down as many observations as you can. Wheel And Axle:

Definitions: Axle: The axle helps the wheel rotate around it so that the wheel can keep going ‘round and ‘round Wheel: You might best think of this as the things you see on a car, or a bike, or a scooter, but can you think of more examples? Try to think of anything circular that uses an axle to spin around it...

Questions: 1. List some real life examples of a wheel and axle (besides a car, bike, or scooter):

2. How does a wheel and axle work? Draw pictures! With arrows and labels. Now try to make a quick wheel and axle that does something (anything!)

Levers: This is a tricky simple machine, but the most fun...

Definitions: Effort: Think of effort like a FORCE (look at pulleys). The arrow for this shows which direction to use the force. Resistance: Think of resistance like a LOAD (look at pulleys). The arrow for this is down because gravity pushes things down. Fulcrum: The fulcrum is the pivot for a lever. It supports the lever. Motion: Where the resistance is going to move. The arrows show which direction the resistance is going to move.

Questions: 1. Look at each picture and look at the example next to it. Write down any questions you have. 2. Choose one type of lever: how does it work? Use only words for this one (I want to see how you think it works)

3. Do you know of any examples of levers (besides the ones above?)

Now choose one type of lever and build it! Hints for building: start with the fulcrum first. Look at the picture of the lever you choose and focus on ONLY that one. Think of where you are going to apply your force (are you going to slam on it? flick it? push something?). Think of how the resistance is going to fling or move when you use the lever.