Bill Nye: Simple Machines
Notes on Simple Machines:
Use the websites below to answer the questions for the types of simple and compound machines. Make sure to write your answers in complete sentences, but avoid pronouns as your subject!!
I. Levers
Draw and label the three types of levers. Include the effort, load, and fulcrum. Under your drawings, list two examples of each type of lever.
II. Inclined Plane
Draw a picture of an inclined plane. Under your picture, write an explanation for how an inclined plane makes work easier.
III. Wedge
From the description, draw a picture of a wedge. Under your picture, explain what a wedge is, why we use it, and list two examples.
IV. Screw
Draw a picture of a screw. From the third paragraph, why are screws considered to be a type of inclined plane? What are the two uses of a screw?
V. Wheel and Axle Wheel and Axle Part 2
Draw and label a picture of a wheel and axle. From the first website, describe a wheel and axle. From the second website, how do wheels help people do work? From both websites, list two examples of a wheel and axle (but not just two types of wheels!)
VI. Pulley Pulley Part 2
Watch the video about pulleys from the first link above. Draw and label a picture of a single fixed pulley. Include the load, effort, and pulley. What is an advantage to using more than one pulley? What is a disadvantage? From the second link, draw and label a picture of a moveable pulley. Why is the mechanical advantage increased in this type of pulley?
VII. Compound Machines
What is a compound machine? What are the different simple machines that make up a drill (a compound machine?) What is another example of a compound machine you can think of?
Just for fun:
Try these online simple machine games, or grab a few friends who are also finished, and try out one of Mrs. Thomas's Mousetrap games!
Edheads: Simple Machines
Help Twitch the Robot with Simple Machines
I. Levers
Draw and label the three types of levers. Include the effort, load, and fulcrum. Under your drawings, list two examples of each type of lever.
II. Inclined Plane
Draw a picture of an inclined plane. Under your picture, write an explanation for how an inclined plane makes work easier.
III. Wedge
From the description, draw a picture of a wedge. Under your picture, explain what a wedge is, why we use it, and list two examples.
IV. Screw
Draw a picture of a screw. From the third paragraph, why are screws considered to be a type of inclined plane? What are the two uses of a screw?
V. Wheel and Axle Wheel and Axle Part 2
Draw and label a picture of a wheel and axle. From the first website, describe a wheel and axle. From the second website, how do wheels help people do work? From both websites, list two examples of a wheel and axle (but not just two types of wheels!)
VI. Pulley Pulley Part 2
Watch the video about pulleys from the first link above. Draw and label a picture of a single fixed pulley. Include the load, effort, and pulley. What is an advantage to using more than one pulley? What is a disadvantage? From the second link, draw and label a picture of a moveable pulley. Why is the mechanical advantage increased in this type of pulley?
VII. Compound Machines
What is a compound machine? What are the different simple machines that make up a drill (a compound machine?) What is another example of a compound machine you can think of?
Just for fun:
Try these online simple machine games, or grab a few friends who are also finished, and try out one of Mrs. Thomas's Mousetrap games!
Edheads: Simple Machines
Help Twitch the Robot with Simple Machines