MACHINES 2 - Complex Machines worksheet - Free Printable

Let’s go step by step to answer each question clearly and simply.

---

1.1 What is a machine?

A machine is something that helps us do work easier or faster. It can change the direction or amount of force we use. Machines don’t have to be big — even simple tools count!

→ So, fill in:
A machine is _something that makes work easier_.

*(Note: This is a simple definition for students. More technically, it’s a device that uses energy to perform a task, but we keep it easy here.)*

---

1.2 What is a simple machine?

Simple machines are basic tools with few or no moving parts. They help us lift, push, pull, or cut things with less effort. There are 6 classic types: lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge, screw.

The worksheet says: “They are also called tools.” That’s true — many everyday tools are simple machines.

→ Fill in:
A simple machine _has few or no moving parts and helps make work easier_.

---

1.3 Tick the simple machines.

We need to pick which items are simple machines (not complex ones).

Let’s go one by one:

- Hammer → Yes! It’s a lever (a type of simple machine). ✔
- Washing machine → No. It has motors, electronics, many parts — it’s complex. ✘
- Screwdriver → Yes! It’s a wheel and axle (the handle turns the shaft). ✔
- Bicycle → No. It has gears, chains, wheels, brakes — too many parts. Complex machine. ✘
- Pliers → Yes! They’re two levers joined together. ✔
- Electric screwdriver → No. Has motor + battery — complex. ✘
- Bottle opener → Yes! It’s a lever. ✔
- Helicopter → No. Very complex — engine, rotors, controls. ✘
- Pencil sharpener → Hmm… manual ones can be a wedge or screw, but most school pencil sharpeners are small complex devices with blades and gears. But if it’s the old-fashioned crank kind, it might be considered simple. However, since this looks like a modern plastic one, let’s say ✘ (complex).
*Wait — actually, some curricula consider handheld pencil sharpeners as simple machines (wedge + screw). To be safe, let’s check common teaching standards.*
→ In many elementary classes, a manual pencil sharpener IS taught as a simple machine (it uses a wedge blade and sometimes a screw mechanism). Since this image shows a red manual one (no electric cord), we’ll count it as ✔.
- Watch → No. Gears, springs, maybe quartz crystal — definitely complex. ✘

So tick these:
✔ Hammer
✔ Screwdriver
✔ Pliers
✔ Bottle opener
✔ Pencil sharpener *(if manual — yes, based on image)*

Leave unticked:
✘ Washing machine
✘ Bicycle
✘ Electric screwdriver
✘ Helicopter
✘ Watch

*(Double-checking: Some teachers may argue about pencil sharpener — but given the context and typical grade level, including it as simple is acceptable. If unsure, you could ask your teacher — but for now, we’ll include it.)*

---

1.4 What is a complex machine?

Complex machines are made up of two or more simple machines working together. They usually have many moving parts and often need electricity or fuel.

Examples: cars, computers, washing machines, bicycles.

→ Fill in:
A complex machine _is made of two or more simple machines working together_.

---

Final Answer:

1.1 A machine is something that makes work easier.
1.2 A simple machine has few or no moving parts and helps make work easier.
1.3 Tick: Hammer, Screwdriver, Pliers, Bottle opener, Pencil sharpener
1.4 A complex machine is made of two or more simple machines working together.