Simple and Complex Machines online activity - Free Printable

Let’s solve this step by step.

We have 8 items to classify:

1. Hammer
2. Vacuum cleaner
3. Wheel
4. Television
5. See-saw
6. Computer
7. Car
8. Screw

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Part 1: Classify into Simple Machines and Complex Machines

Simple machines are basic tools that make work easier — they usually have few or no moving parts. Examples: lever, wheel and axle, screw, inclined plane, wedge, pulley.

Complex machines are made of two or more simple machines working together. They often have many parts and may need power (like electricity or fuel).

Let’s go one by one:

- Hammer → It’s a lever (simple machine) → Simple Machine
- Vacuum cleaner → Has motor, fan, wheels, etc. → Made of many parts → Complex Machine
- Wheel → By itself, it’s part of “wheel and axle” → Simple Machine
- Television → Electronic device with circuits, screen, speakers → Complex Machine
- See-saw → It’s a lever → Simple Machine
- Computer → Many electronic parts, needs electricity → Complex Machine
- Car → Engine, wheels, gears, etc. → Definitely complex → Complex Machine
- Screw → One of the 6 simple machines → Simple Machine

So:

✔ Simple Machines: Hammer, Wheel, See-saw, Screw
✔ Complex Machines: Vacuum cleaner, Television, Computer, Car

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Part 2: Classify by Power Source

Power sources: Human energy, Electricity, Burning fuel

Let’s think about how each machine gets its power:

- Hammer → You swing it with your arm → Human energy
- Vacuum cleaner → Plugs into wall → Electricity
- Wheel → If it’s just a wheel (like on a cart), you push it → Human energy *(Note: if it were part of a car, it’d be different — but here it’s listed alone)*
- Television → Needs to plug in → Electricity
- See-saw → Kids push off the ground → Human energy
- Computer → Plugs in or uses battery → Electricity
- Car → Uses gasoline or diesel → Burning fuel
- Screw → You turn it with a screwdriver → Human energy

Wait — let’s double-check “Wheel”. In the context of this worksheet, since it’s shown as a single wheel (not attached to a vehicle), we assume it’s being used manually — like pushing a handcart. So yes, human energy.

Also, note: Some might argue a car could be electric — but traditionally, and in most school worksheets, “car” means gas-powered unless specified. We’ll go with burning fuel.

Final grouping:

✔ Human energy: Hammer, Wheel, See-saw, Screw
✔ Electricity: Vacuum cleaner, Television, Computer
✔ Burning fuel: Car

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Final Answer:

Simple Machines: Hammer, Wheel, See-saw, Screw
Complex Machines: Vacuum cleaner, Television, Computer, Car

Human energy: Hammer, Wheel, See-saw, Screw
Electricity: Vacuum cleaner, Television, Computer
Burning fuel: Car