Simple Machines

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    "Simple Machines" Key Vocabulary

These simple machines share a plan of attack:
A broom, a crowbar and a baseball bat
And so does a hammer when it's pounding a tack
And the fork in your hand when you're having a snack
Tell me the name of this machine
The one that gives me so much leverage?
It's a LEVER

You can ride up a ramp or slide down a slide
Take a trip to the top of a roller coaster ride
You'll be using this tool with every stair that you climb
Go up a ladder, if you're so inclined!
Tell me the name of this machine
The one that makes going uphill so easy?
It's an INCLINED PLANE

With an axe or a knife you can split into two
Any number of things that a razor can't do
And a sword's what to choose when you're challenged to duel
You can split, trim or cut with this versatile tool
Tell me the name of this machine
The one that helps split things into two?
It's a WEDGE

With the twist of a lid I could see right away
That the ridge on the jar is what made the lid stay
And the base of a light bulb has angular ribs
Which thread themselves tight when you twist the bulb in
Tell me the name of this machine
The one that holds things tightly together?
It's a SCREW

I know of a tool that you're going to like
If you skate on a board or pedal your bike
Using it turns heavy loads into light
It's a well-rounded worker, a handy device
Tell me the name of this machine
The one that moves weight so easily?
It's a WHEEL and AXLE

Changing direction of force can be done
When it's over a wheel with a rope you run
That's why when you want to take a flag to the sky
You pull down to go up; this invention is why
Tell me the name of this machine
The one that helps hoist things overhead?
It's a PULLEY

Inclined plane, wedge or lever
Simple machines make work much faster
Wheel and axle, pulley and screw
Simple machines speed things up for you

Simple machines.... Wedge or lever
Simple machines.... Inclined plane
Simple machines.... Wheel and axle
Simple machines.... Pulley or screw
Simple machines.... Wedge or lever
Simple machines.... Inclined plane
Simple machines.... Wheel and axle
Simple machines.... Pulley or screw

(You know, you just can't push a pulley!)

© 2005 Power Arts Company, Inc.

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