Simple Machines

• Science
• 2nd Grade

What are simple machines? 

Look around. Snap a picture of what you think a simple machine looks like.

Simple machines

Devices that make work easier by magnifying or changing the direction of a force

Which simple machine allows loads to slide up to a higher level instead of being lifted?

1. Lever
2. Wheel and Axle
3. Pulley
4. Inclined Plane

Which simple machine is a wheel with a rope wrapped around it? It moves loads or changes direction of the force.

1. Lever
2. Wheel and Axle
3. Pulley
4. Inclined Plane

Which simple machine is a bar that sits on a fulcrum?

1. Lever
2. Wheel and Axle
3. Pulley
4. Inclined Plane

Which simple machine is a wheel with a rod in the middle?

1. Lever
2. Wheel and Axle
3. Pulley
4. Inclined Plane

Which simple machine is two inclined planes back to back? It is used to push two objects apart or split an object into two.

1. Lever
2. Wedge
3. Screw
4. Inclined Plane

Which simple machine is an inclined plane wrapped around a pole? It holds things together or lifts things.

1. Lever
2. Wedge
3. Screw
4. Inclined Plane

Match the image with the type of simple machine.

Wheel and axle

Inclined plane

Pulley

Match the image with the type of simple machine.

Screw

Lever

Wedge

Which simple machine would you use to unload this moving truck?

1. Wedge
2. Lever
3. Inclined plane
4. Screw

Which simple machine would you use to get the truck out?

1. Pulley
2. Inclined plane
3. Wedge
4. Screw

Which simple machine would you use to remove a splinter?

1. Wedge
2. Lever
3. Inclined plane
4. Screw

How often do you use simple machines every day?

Not at all

A few times

Often

All day long