A mechanism is something which performs a task.

A simple machine is something which performs a task and has no, or few, moving parts.

An inclined plane is a simple machine.  It is also called a ramp.

An invention is a process or machine that has not been created before.

An engineer is a person who designs and builds things.

Simple machines

Science

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

Forces including simple machines

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Activity that requires collection of items from an area (room, building).

They reduce the effort required to perform tasks.

They keep the effort the same required to perform tasks.

They increase the effort required to perform tasks.

Which statement is true about simple machines?

What is the name for a new machine that has not been made or used before? 

Which simple machine is shown in the image?

Which simple machine is shown in the image to help cars to board the ferry?

raising the height of a load without lifting

moving loads over surfaces or winding in rope

Match the simple machine to the task it makes easier.

Gears, levers and pulleys make it __________ to perform a task. 

Which simple machines are shown in this image? 

Which of these words is not associated with pulleys?

What is the name given to the thing you try to move using simple machines?  

Which of these images shows a correctly labelled simple machine?

If the smaller gear is turned, how will this affect the speed and force of the larger gear?

Content guidance

Exploration of objects

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Simple machines

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.