Simple Machines for Kids

If you want to explain the concept of simple machines to children, the easiest definition that you can use is that these are machines that help make our work much easier. In simple terms to explain simple machines, you can define them as mechanical devices that ease the effort that you have to put into a certain task. Inventing simple machines was probably one of the first inventions of human kind, with tools like stones and sticks being used to reduce effort. It was only in 1600 AD though, that Galileo Galilei put forward the theory of simple machines in his book Le Meccaniche, in which he stated that these simple machines do not generate energy but they transform it. When explaining the concept of simple machines, you will need to talk about the six types of simple machines. These machines are explained in detail in the following section.

Types of Simple Machines

How does a simple machine make work easier? This is one of the basic things that you will need to explain to any child while explaining the concept of simple machines. Simple machines reduce effort by either transferring a force, changing the direction of force, increasing the magnitude of force, or increasing the speed of force. There are six different kinds of simple machines. These are explained in detail below.

Inclined Plane
The basic function of an incline plane it to be able to either lift up or to lower an object. The surface of a plane is flat and when placed in a slanted manner it is known as an inclined plane. The principle on which an inclined plane works is that you can move a large bulk for a long distance by applying slight force. Moving an object on an inclined or slanted surface is much easier than a straight surface. If you want to explain the concept of the inclined plane to a child then one of the best examples of simple machines is a slide, which because of the way it is placed makes it easier to slip down the slide.

Lever
The lever is the second of the six types of simple machines. The lever which is a bar like rigid object moves against a turning point to move a third object. The turning point against which it moves is known as the fulcrum and the closer the object that needs to be moved is to the fulcrum, the easier it is to move the former. There are three types of levers; first-class lever, second class lever, and third class lever. One of the simple machines projects for kids that can help explain the lever to children is using a curved arm hammer to remove a nail from the wall. You will notice that when the hammer is rested against the wall (which is the fulcrum in this case), and rotated, you will pull out the nail with ease.

Pulley
When explaining the concept of simple machines, in case of the pulley, one of the easiest explanations to give would be that of drawing water from a well. In this simple machine one end of a cord is attached to the load that needs to be moved, placed over a wheel and as you pull on one side, according to the direction in which you exert force, you can move the load forward or backward. If you are looking for interactive simple machines, then try to make a model of a flag which is being hoisted. It uses the pulley system.

Screw
Many people consider screw to be a modified version of the inclined plane which differs in shape because of its helical appearance. It uses the principle of transfer of energy, converting rotational force into linear force in the process of performing a task. On one end of an inclined plane is a helical and on the other end is a provision that you can use to turn it. Screws are used to hold objects together and even to raise weights. One of the simple machines activities for kids that you can use to explain the concept is to teach them to use a screw.

Wedge
The wedge was one of the last entrants in the list of types of simple machines. It is made of two inclined planes and can move. The point of contact of the two inclined planes results in a sharp edge which can be used to cut and split objects and to hold them together. A wedge is shaped in such a manner that it is triangular in appearance. Examples of wedges that we use in daily life include forks, knives, and even our teeth.

Wheel and Axle
There are many games that you can play to explain the concept of the wheel and axle. You can use simple toys to explain the principle of this simple machine. The axle is the rod that is speared through the wheel to rotate it. The axle converts rotational force into linear force propelling the object forward.

Using lesson plans, you can come up with many ideas for simple machines that can be made easily. Most machines that we use nowadays have their basis in the principles on which these simple machines work. Use worksheets to explain the concept to children with the help of diagrams and practical activities.