Hey there! We’ve been having a blast learning about engineering and how engineers use it to solve problems. Today, we’re going to explore some cool tools called simple machines that make work easier. Let’s dive in!
Our first problem was trying to move big rocks from the yard to make space for a new garden. No matter how hard we tried, we couldn’t lift them. But then we remembered a simple machine called a lever!
A lever is like a seesaw at the playground. It’s a long bar balanced on something called a fulcrum. By pushing down on one end, the other end goes up, making it easier to lift heavy things. We used a lever to lift the rocks, and it worked like magic!
Next, we needed to move a heavy telescope up to our fort’s observatory. Carrying it up the stairs was too hard, so we used a pulley. A pulley has a rope and a wheel, and when you pull the rope, it lifts the load.
We attached the rope to the telescope box and pulled it up through the window. It was much easier than carrying it up the stairs. Pulleys are used in cranes, elevators, and even window blinds!
When we collected too many rocks for our rock collection, the box was too heavy to carry. So, we used a wagon with wheels and axles. Wheels and axles help move heavy things with less force.
By putting the box in the wagon, we could easily pull it back to the fort. Wheels and axles are found in cars, bicycles, and even roller skates!
Did you know that swings and slides are simple machines too? They help us have fun while teaching us about forces. Forces are pushes and pulls that make things move or stop.
When you swing, a push gets you moving, and friction with the air and chains slows you down. On a slide, gravity pulls you down, and friction keeps you from going too fast. Water slides have less friction, so you go faster!
Simple machines are everywhere, making our lives easier and more fun. Whether it’s lifting rocks, moving heavy boxes, or playing at the playground, these tools help us solve problems. Keep exploring and discovering new things with us!
If you enjoyed learning about simple machines, make sure to subscribe and join us for more adventures. See you next time!
Lever Experiment: Find a small plank of wood and a round object like a can or a small log to act as a fulcrum. Try lifting different objects like a toy or a book by placing them on one end of the plank and pushing down on the other end. Can you lift heavier objects by moving the fulcrum closer to the object? Discuss with a friend or family member how changing the position of the fulcrum affects your ability to lift the object.
Pulley Craft: Create a simple pulley system using a spool, some string, and a small basket or cup. Hang the spool on a doorknob or a hook, thread the string through it, and attach the basket to one end. Try lifting small toys or objects by pulling the string. How does using the pulley make lifting easier? Think about where you see pulleys in everyday life and share your findings with your class.
Wheel and Axle Hunt: Go on a scavenger hunt around your home or school to find objects that use wheels and axles. Look for things like toy cars, bicycles, or even rolling chairs. How do these wheels and axles help the objects move? Draw a picture of one of the objects you found and explain how it uses wheels and axles to make moving easier.
