Simple Machines & Levers

Simple machines are devices that make work easier by changing the direction or magnitude of a force. Exploring simple machines helps children understand how these concepts apply in everyday life.

Identify and classify various simple machines. Then, use the control charts to verify the classification.

This set includes:

• 1-page outline of simple machines
• 6 definition cards
• 3 lever class definition cards (with diagrams)
• 2 simple machine family cards (1 with illustrations, 1 without)
• 24 photographic cards of simple machines (4 for each type)
• 6 line-drawn images of simple machines
• 6 simple definition cards
• 9 photographic cards of levers (3 for each class)
• 9 photographic cards of levers (labeled with fulcrum, effort, load)
• 3 line-drawn images of each class of lever
• 3 simple definition cards (1 for each class of lever)
• 1 control chart of the simple machines
• 1 control chart of the 3 classes of levers

To create a set of 3-part cards, print the cards twice. Cut the labels off one set and leave them intact on the other. To use three-part cards, match the labels to the corresponding pictures. Verify the matches using the control cards with the labels.

Sorting cards are approx. 3¾" x 3¾". Control charts print on regular letter-size paper and legal-size paper.

This file is in PDF format.