A gear is a simple machine which is useful for turning things.

A cog is a toothed wheel, often used in gear systems.

An axle is a rod that goes through the centre of the wheel to help it move and stay in place.

To turn clockwise means to turn in the same direction as the hands of a clock move round.

A force is a push or a pull. Forces can make objects move, slow down, change direction or change shape.

How gears can help us

Science

Introduction to gravity

Pushes and pulls

Friction: plan

Friction: do and review

Air resistance: plan

Air resistance: do and review

Water resistance: plan

Water resistance: do and review

How levers can help us

How pulleys can help us

Simple machines

Design and development of machines

In this Forces and simple machines unit, pupils learn that air resistance, water resistance and friction push back against moving objects. In this Forces unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to accurately describe and explain the actions of forces in a range of situations.

In the Simple forces including magnets unit, pupils learnt to compare how things move on different surfaces. In this Forces including simple machines unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to identify the effects of air resistance, water resistance and friction, that act between moving surfaces

This unit covers the effects of gravity, air resistance, water resistance, and friction on objects. It explores how mechanisms like levers, pulleys, and gears magnify forces. Emphasis is on taking precise measurements, recording complex data, and presenting findings.

Forces including simple machines

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Use of equipment that may require supervision for safety, e.g. scissors in KS1, needles, paint, knives, cooking.

Gears are simple mechanisms or machines which are useful for {{}} things.

What is the name of the rod that holds a gear in place?

What is the name for the bits which stick out on the edge of a cog?

If you have two gears, in which direction does the second one turn compared to the first?

Gears can change the size of a force. They allow a smaller force to have a {{}} effect.

gear turns more slowly with a greater force.

Match the size of the gears to the size of the force.

some make it easier and some make it harder to perform tasks

a rigid bar resting on a turning point called a pivot

a grooved wheel with a rope threaded through it

Both of these simple machines are useful for lifting things.  Match the name to the description.

What is the name of the point along a lever around which it turns? 

With this pulley, in which direction is the effort compared to the movement of the load?

Which word is used to describe the force needed to move a load using a simple machine?

Starter Quiz