For this rotation, we will be focusing on the six simple machines. Simple machines are tools used to make work easier and to accomplish a job faster and better. The six simple machines are the lever, the wheel and axle, the inclined plane, the wedge, the pulley, and the screw.

A lever is a stiff bar that rests on a fulcrum which lifts or moves a load. In the picture provided, the individual is using a lever to lift three individuals. Some examples of levers would be door handles, crowbars, light switches, bottle openers and hinges. Look around the classroom and see if you can identify a lever.

A wheel and axle is a rotating lever that moves in a circular motion around the fulcrum. Some examples of the wheel and axle are an electric fan, a motor, a revolving door, a merry go round, and a door knob. Can you find an example of a wheel and axle?

An inclined plane is a ramp. It is a slanting surface that connects a lower level to a higher level or a higher level to lower level. Some examples are a wheelchair ramp, a ladder, a laundry chute, a skateboard ramp, and a slide. Are there any other inclined planes that you can think of?

A wedge is a simple machine that is used to separate an object or to secure things from movement. The picture of the ax clearly is a wedge that separates or cuts the wood. Some more examples of a wedge that separates would be a knife, a shovel, a saw, and scissors. Some examples of a wedge that secure things from moving are a push pin, a doorstop, a staple, and a nail. Are there any wedges that you can see in the classroom?

A pulley is a wheel on an axle combined with a rope or chain to move something up and down or back and forth. Pulleys are used to lift loads, apply forces, and transmit power. Elevators use pulleys to move you up and down floors. Ships use pulleys to raise and lower sails. Blinds use pulleys to move them up and down. Name one type of pulley you see right now.

A screw is an inclined plane wrapped around a pole that allows movement up and down the pole in a circle. Some examples of the uses of a screw are in a jar lid, a drill, a bolt, a light bulb, and faucets. Can you think of any other examples of the simple machine a screw?