Simple Machines Lesson

Learning Targets

• I can identify and describe the functioning of simple machines (e.g., levers, inclined planes, pulleys, etc.). 

• I can compare simple machines and compound machines.

• I know how a simple machine changes the magnitude or direction of the input force.

• I can evaluate which simple machine would be the most efficient in completing a task. 

• I can use one or more simple machines to complete a task.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT one of the six simple machines?

• Pulley

• Lever

• Gear

• Wedge

Open Ended

What is an example of a machine that makes your life better?

Multiple Choice

Which part of a lever is described as the steady point that the rod or plank rests on?

• Fulcrum

• Effort

• Resistance

• Load

Multiple Choice

What is the main function of an inclined plane as a simple machine?

• To provide a flat, slanted surface for moving objects

• To cut objects into pieces

• To hold objects together

• To rotate objects

Multiple Choice

Which simple machine is described as a sloping solid that comes to a point?

• Wedge

• Inclined plane

• Screw

• Lever

Multiple Select

Which of the following are examples of simple machines?

• Inclined plane

• Wedge

• Screw

• Pulley

Multiple Choice

Which of the following simple machines consists of a solid rod or plank that rests on a fulcrum?

• Lever

• Pulley

• Inclined plane

• Wheel and axle

Word Cloud

What are examples of a wheel and axle?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT one of the things a machine can do?

• Changes the amount of force required.

• Changes the distance over which the force is exerted.

• Changes the direction of the force.

• Changes the amount of work done.

Multiple Choice

The fixed point around which a lever rotates is know as the

• wheel.

• fulcrum.

• input force.

• output force.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT an example of the simple machine know as a screw?

• lid of a jar

• turning on and off a faucet

• a drill bit

• a screw driver

Multiple Choice

How can simple machines make work easier?

• by decreasing the force needed to complete the task

• by increasing the friction between the machine and the object

• by adding more work on the object than originally applied

• by removing the force of gravity on the object

Multiple Choice

Which simple machine would be the MOST efficient for lifting an object 30 meters off the ground?

• pulley

• screw

• wedge

• lever

Multiple Choice

Which machine could be considered to be a type of inclined plane?

• wheel and axle

• lever

• screw

• pulley

Multiple Choice

A doorknob is a simple machine made up of 2 circular objects of different sizes. When turning a doorknob, what type of simple machine is being used?

• inclined plane

• wheel and axle

• wedge

• pulley

Multiple Choice

Workers push a heavy box up an inclined plane and onto a moving truck. Which best explains why these workers use an inclined plane?

• It makes their work easier because it requires less effort.

• It decreases the amount of work they have to do.

• It increases the amount of friction necessary to do the task.

• It makes the box weigh less.

Multiple Choice

A group of workers needs to move a piano from the second floor of a building. The piano is too wide to fit through the doorway, so they will lower the piano to the ground through a window. Which simple machine would be the best to help the workers lower the piano from the window?

• wheel and axle

• inclined plane

• pulley

• wedge

Multiple Choice

A house uses a roof to carry away large amounts of rain efficiently. A roof composed of 2 attached inclined planes would be considered which type of simple machine?

• wedge

• screw

• ramp

• lever

Multiple Choice

Simple machines can make work easier by reducing the input force needed to move an object. However, there is a trade off for decreased input. What is the trade off?

• The distance the object is moved is increased.

• The distance the object is moved is decreased.

• The amount of work is increased.

• The amount of work is decreased.

Multiple Choice

Using the back of a hammer makes it much easier to remove a nail from a wooden board. What kind of simple machine would the hammer be classified as if you are using it for this purpose?

• Wedge

• Lever

• Pullye

• Inclined Plane

Open Ended

How do machines make work easier for us?

Multiple Choice

What are the six types of simple machines?

• Wheel and axle, inclined plane, pulley, screw, wedge, lever

• Motor, engine, gear, belt, chain, spring

• Computer, phone, television, radio, microwave, refrigerator

• Hammer, saw, drill, pliers, wrench, screwdriver