New
New
Year 5

Simple machines

I can use my understanding of simple machines to invent something that can be used to make everyday work easier.

New
New
Year 5

Simple machines

I can use my understanding of simple machines to invent something that can be used to make everyday work easier.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Simple machines are useful because they make it easier for people to perform tasks beyond their normal capabilities.
  2. There are different types of simple machine: the wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, screw, wedge and lever.
  3. Inventions using simple machines help us in our everyday lives.

Keywords

  • Mechanism - A mechanism is something which performs a task.

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

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

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

  • Engineer - An engineer is a person who designs and builds things.

Common misconception

Machines all involve engines and need a power source.

Explicit teaching and explanation that simple machines do not often have moving parts and do not need a power source.

Encourage children to discover where simple machines are used in their lives and to design their own useful inventions to make life easier.
Teacher tip

Equipment

None needed but it would help to have planned where simple machines can be found in the building.

Content guidance

  • Exploration of objects

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
Gears, levers and pulleys make it __________ to perform a task.
Correct answer: easier
more difficult
Q2.
Which simple machines are shown in this image?
An image in a quiz
pulleys
Correct answer: gears
levers
Q3.
Which of these words is not associated with pulleys?
An image in a quiz
rope
wheel
Correct answer: pivot
effort
Q4.
What is the name given to the thing you try to move using simple machines?
Correct answer: load
effort
mass
Q5.
Which of these images shows a correctly labelled simple machine?
Correct answer: the pulley
the lever
Q6.
If the smaller gear is turned, how will this affect the speed and force of the larger gear?
An image in a quiz
it will be slower and with less force
Correct answer: it will be slower and with more force
it will be faster and with less force
it will be faster and with more force

6 Questions

Q1.
Which statement is true about simple machines?
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: 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.
Q2.
What is the name for a new machine that has not been made or used before?
product
Correct answer: invention
design
mechanism
Q3.
Which simple machine is shown in the image?
An image in a quiz
wheel with axle
pulley
inclined plane
Correct answer: wedge
screw
Q4.
Which simple machine is shown in the image to help cars to board the ferry?
An image in a quiz
wheel with axle
pulley
Correct answer: inclined plane
wedge
screw
Q5.
Which simple machine is shown in the image?
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: wheel with axle
pulley
inclined plane
wedge
screw
Q6.
Match the simple machine to the task it makes easier.
Correct Answer:wedge,splitting materials

splitting materials

Correct Answer:inclined plane,raising the height of a load without lifting

raising the height of a load without lifting

Correct Answer:screw,joining materials together

joining materials together

Correct Answer:wheel and axle,moving loads over surfaces or winding in rope

moving loads over surfaces or winding in rope

Q3 © SolidMaks/Shutterstock.com

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