Machines are objects that make it easier for people to do work.

Not all machines have lots of parts or

motors. Simple machines have only one or two main parts. A shovel, a screwdriver, a knife, a broom,
and even a slide on the playground are all simple machines. Let’s learn about the six types of simple
machines.

An inclined plane makes moving and lifting things easier. It is a flat, slanted surface that works like a
ramp. Have you ever seen someone load heavy items into the back of a large truck? They may have
used a ramp, or inclined plane, to load the truck more easily.

A wedge is a pair of inclined planes attached back-to-back. A wedge is used to force things apart.
Have you ever seen someone chop wood with an ax? The head of an ax is a wedge.

A screw is a spiral wrapped around a center post. When you turn it, it can lift objects or hold two
objects together. Have you ever opened a bottle of water? When you turn the cap one way, it opens.
If you turn it the other way, it seals the bottle shut. The cap is a screw.

A lever is a bar that pivots or turns on a fixed point. The fixed point is called the fulcrum.
Have you ever played on a seesaw? The seesaw is a lever. The support in the middle is the fulcrum.

A pulley is a wheel that is used with a cord or rope. When you pull it downward, the other end lifts
upward. Have you ever seen someone hoist a flag up a flagpole? The flag is attached to a rope. At
the top of the flagpole is a pulley. When you pull the rope downward, the flag rises up the pole.

List two examples of each type of simple machine not mentioned in the article.

Inclined Plane
1. __________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________
Wedge
1. __________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________
Screw
1. __________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________
Lever
1. __________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________
Pulley
1. __________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________
Wheel and Axle
1. __________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________
The six types of simple machines are:

• inclined plane
• wedge
• screw
• lever
• pulley
• wheel and axle

1. An ax is used to chop wood. The metal part chops through the wood, pushing it
apart into two smaller sections. Which simple machine is found on the head of this ax?

______________________________

2. The center of this seesaw is used to balance the board with the seats. The children
can easily move up and down without much force.
The seesaw is an example of which simple machine?

______________________________

3. The cap on this water bottle has a spiral shape. When you place it on the bottle and
twist, the cap pulls itself toward the bottle.
The bottle cap is an example of which simple machine?

______________________________
4. When you turn the large knob on a door, a rod on the inside releases a latch that
holds the door closed. It would be difficult to turn the rod, if the knob wasn't attached to
it. The door knob and rod make up which simple machine?

_____________________________

5. A wheel with a rope is used to hoist a flag up to the top of a tall flagpole. This simple
machine can also be used to help lift heavy objects with less force.
The wheel and rope make up which simple machine?

______________________________

6. A ramp is used for loading this truck. A mover can pull a cart with a heavy object up
the ramp. This is much easier than lifting heavy objects into the truck.
Which simple machine is on the back of this truck?

______________________________

7. What types of simple machines do you see in the picture?

The slide is ____________________________________________.
The shovel is ___________________________________________.
The broom is ___________________________________________.
The screwdriver is _____________________________________.
Name: _______________________ Date:___________

Simple Machines Worksheet

Directions: Write down what type of simple machine is used in each of the objects.

Object Simple Machines

Flag Pole _________________________

Broom _________________________

Car’s Windshield _________________________

Saw _________________________

Clock _________________________

Pin _________________________

Light Switch _________________________

Jar Lid _________________________

Staircase _________________________

Skates _________________________

Scissors _________________________
 Simple Machines are Hidden Everywhere

Riddle: What did the hungry lever say to the Wedge and Gear?

Find all the hidden words and then copy the letters that are left over to solve
the riddle.

AXLE
GEAR
INCLINED
LEVER
MACHINE
PLANE
PULLEY
SCREW
SIMPLE
WEDGE
WHEEL
WORK