Discover Simple Tools and How They Help You!

Lever

A lever is a simple machine that helps you lift heavy things. When you push down on one end, the other end goes up!

You can see a lever on a seesaw at the playground. A hammer is also a lever that helps you push nails into wood.

Wheel

A wheel is a round simple machine that helps things roll. Wheels make it easier to move objects instead of dragging them.

Your toy truck has wheels! The round wheels turn and help it move across the floor.

Wedge

A wedge is a simple machine with a thin edge that cuts or splits things apart. A knife is a wedge!

When you use a knife to cut a sandwich, the thin edge pushes into the food and separates it. An axe is also a wedge.

Pulley

A pulley is a simple machine that uses a rope and a wheel. It helps you lift heavy things up without using as much strength.

Screw

A screwdriver is a simple machine that helps you turn screws into wood. It lets you twist with more force so the job is easier for you.

Simple Machine: A simple machine is a basic tool that helps you do work with less effort. Examples are levers, wheels, wedges, and pulleys.

Lever: A lever is a simple machine that helps you lift heavy things. A seesaw and a hammer are both levers.

Wheel: A wheel is a round simple machine that helps things roll and move easily. Your toy truck uses wheels!

Wedge: A wedge is a simple machine with a thin edge that cuts or splits things. A knife and an axe are wedges.

Pulley: A pulley is a simple machine with a rope and wheel that helps you lift heavy things up high.

Screwdriver: A screwdriver is a simple machine that helps you turn screws into wood or other materials with more force.

Hammer: A hammer is a tool and a type of lever. You use it to push nails into wood by swinging it.

Effort: Effort is the work or force you use to do a job. Simple machines help you use less effort!

You can find simple machines everywhere! Look around your home and school.

A seesaw on the playground is a lever. A knife in the kitchen is a wedge. A screwdriver in a toolbox is a simple machine too!

Next time you see someone lifting something heavy or cutting food, think about which simple machine is helping them do the work.

You do not need to know anything special before you start learning about simple tools. You already use simple machines every day without knowing it!

As you learn more about simple machines, you will start to notice them all around you. This is a great first step in learning about science and how things work.

Learning about simple tools is your first big step into the world of Simple Machines! As you keep learning, you will discover even more ways that tools and machines help you every day.

Simple machines are all around you. The more you learn, the more you will notice them at home, at school, and on the playground. Keep exploring and asking questions!