Glen Grove Elementary School

Simple Machines

Any of various elementary mechanisms having the elements of which all machines are composed. Included in this category are the lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge and the screw.
The Elements of Machines http://www.mos.org/sln/Leonardo/InventorsToolbox.html These devices were all in common use for centuries before DaVinci's time. Each one makes work easier to do by providing some trade-off between the force applied and the distance over which the force is applied.
Forces & Motion * VERY cool!! * http://www.seekscience.org/interact Check out these action-packed interactive adventures covering the five sub-topics: light, sound, forces & motion, earth & beyond and electricity. Each game contains a number of interactive modules, split into three sections: learning, testing and engineering applications.
Patent Information http://www.freepatentsonline.com Search thru all the different kinds of patents existing. You can also get some background information about what is involved to apply for a patent.
http://www.edheads.org/activities/simple-machines/index.htm Learn about simple and compound machines while you explore the House and Tool Shed!
Simple & Complex Machines http://sunshine.chpc.utah.edu/javalabs/java12/machine/index.htm Try these labs. After you have completed these activities you will be able to more easily identify your use of simple machines to accomplish work.
Simple Machines http://sln.fi.edu/qa97/spotlight3/spotlight3.html A machine is a tool used to make work easier. Simple machines are simple tools used to make work easier.
Understanding Simple Machines http://www.fi.edu/pieces/knox/automaton/simple.htm A machine is any device that helps you do work. Automata are compound machines, a combination of two or more simple machines.There are six types of simple machines: the inclined plane, the wedge, the screw, the pulley, the lever, and the wheel and axle.
Wheel & Axle http://www.ed.uri.edu/SMART96/ELEMSC/SMARTmachines/wheel.html A wheel and axle is a modification of a pulley.
Compiled by Mary Lou Baldwin Technology Facilitator checked 12/07