People build machines to make work easier. What we normally think of as machines— cars, for example—are actually many machines working together.

Build a Machine!

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Do you recognize these simple machines from everyday life?

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Inclined plane: Tilt a flat object so one end reaches higher than the other. Heavy objects can slide along it. You recognize slides, ramps, and a pitched roof.

Pulley: A rope attaches to a wheel. Pull on the rope, and it moves and changes the direction of the wheel. For example: flag pole mechanisms, window blinds, and theater curtain pulls.

Lever: A straight object  pivots on a turning point  called a fulcrum. You  recognize a seesaw,  wheelbarrow, and  scissors.

Wheel and axle: A rod stretches between two wheels, making them move more easily. Think of a bicycle, rolling pin, and roller skates.

Screw: Wrap an inclined plane around a pole. This can lift objects. It can also hold them together. For example: screws, bottle caps, and the self-burying seed!

Wedge: Put two inclined  planes together. This machine  can push objects apart. Think  of a knife, shovel, or ax.

You’ll need:  • four paper plates  • glue • a pencil • duct tape • string or thread

Build your own machine with an axle, wheel, and pulley

1. Glue two plates together around the edges, rim sides facing each other. Repeat with the second set of plates. These are your two wheels.

2. Cut a small slit in the center of each plate. (You may want to use a ruler to find the exact middle.)

3. Stick an end of the pencil into each hole. The pencil is now your axle. Wheel plus axle equals machine!

4. Everything works better with a little duct tape. If needed, place duct tape around each pencil hole to keep the machine stable.

5. Wrap your string or thread around the middle of the pencil. Continue wrapping, but leave yourself a little tail of string to hold.

Wheels-plus-axles were invented in ancient Sumer around 3200 B.C. Imagine what those clever Sumerians could have accomplished if they had duct tape! Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. — Psalm 20:7

6. Now, pull! String plus axle equals pulley. Watch your compound machine roll.

Bonus fun fact: Did you know that a wrench is also a simple machine? But people can’t agree on which kind it is. Some say it is a lever. Others think it’s a wheel and axle. What do you think?