Simple Machines Inquiries

Exploring the Screw….Part A• 1. Take the piece of paper and cut it to make 2 right

triangles with the short edge 8 cm with different lengths for the edge opposite the right angle.

• 2. Color the long edge of both triangles. • 3. Wrap the paper around the clothespin. • 4. Repeat with the second triangle and clothespin.• 5. Sketch the results of both and write down your

observations about the two. Make measurements of the sides, how far apart the colored edges are after you wrap it.

• 6. How does your creation compare to a screw?

16 cm8 cm

14 cm

2 cm

12 cm

8 cm

9 cm

Exploring the Screw….

Part B• 1. Try screwing in each of the screws in the

block of wood. • 2. Make observations about the different

screws. • 3. Which screw was the easiest to turn? Why

do you think this is so?• 4. Explain how a screw is a version of an

inclined plane.

Exploring the Lever….Pliers1. Sketch the pliers and label the load

(output force), effort force (input force) and fulcrum.

2. Measure the distance from the input force to the fulcrum and the distance from the output force to the fulcrum.

3. Why do you think the effort side of the pliers is longer than the load side?

Exploring the Lever….Nutcracker

1. Sketch the nutcracker and label the load (output force), effort force (input force) and fulcrum.

2. Measure the distance from the input force to the fulcrum and the distance from the output force to the fulcrum.

3. Where would you put the nut to crack it open with the least amount of force?

Exploring the Lever….Stapler

1. Sketch the stapler and label the load (output force), effort force (input force) and fulcrum.

2. Measure the distance from the input force to the fulcrum and the distance from the output force to the fulcrum.

3. Where should you place your hand to make it easier to staple the load?

Exploring the Lever….Calculating MA & Determining Class

1. MA = distance from input force to fulcrum ÷ distance from output force to fulcrum

2. Calculate the MA for each of the levers.3. Which of the levers had the best MA?4. Identify the levers as 1st, 2nd, or 3rd class

and explain why for each one.

Exploring the….Wheel & Axle