Simple Machines

SIMPLE MACHINES INCLINED PLANEThe great blocks of stone that made the pyramids weren't lifted into place they were rolled up ramps, or what we now call inclined planes. The inclined plane, one of the simple machines, allows you to raise great weights...

SIMPLE MACHINES GEAR TRAINThis device illustrates the workings of a system of gears. When you turn one gear, the meshed teeth cause the other gears to rotate as well. The second gear turns in the opposite direction as the first, and the third gear turns...

SIMPLE MACHINES PULLEYWhen a cord is run over a pulley, the direction of the applied force is changed. This is a very useful principle in many different machines, and a basic principle that shows up again and again in physics classes. This device lets...

FORCE MOTION & SIMPLE MACHINES BIGGive your students a kick start on learning with our Force and Motion 3-book BUNDLE. Students begin by exploring different Forces. Conduct several experiments on the force of friction and air resistance. Understand that...

SIMPLE MACHINES PENDULUMAs the pendulum swings back and forth, its energy changes from potential energy (the energy it has at the top of its swing, when it is raised up) into kinetic energy (the energy of motion). But the pendulum can be used as a device...

SIMPLE MACHINES SCREWThe screw, another of the simple machines, converts a circular motion (the turning of the screw) into a linear motion. It also lets you amplify the force a great deal, since turning the screw only moves the end of the screw a small...

SIMPLE MACHINES BLOCK & TACKLEOne pulley can be used to change the direction of the force applied by a cord several pulleys can be used to make this simple machine. A small force on the cord can be used to lift a large weight. Experimenting with the...