Simple Machines Worksheets - Free Printable

Let’s go through each object one by one and think about which simple machine it uses.

Simple machines are basic tools that make work easier. The six types are:
- Lever
- Wheel and axle
- Pulley
- Inclined plane
- Wedge
- Screw

Now, let’s match each everyday object to its simple machine:

1. Saw – The teeth of a saw act like tiny wedges that cut into wood. → Wedge

2. Pliers – You squeeze the handles to grip or bend things. This is a lever (two levers working together). → Lever

3. Shopping cart – It rolls on wheels. The wheel turns around an axle. → Wheel and axle

4. Can opener – Most can openers use a rotating blade (wheel) attached to a handle (axle), and sometimes a lever too — but mainly it’s a wheel and axle. → Wheel and axle

5. Crowbar – You push down on one end to lift something heavy at the other end. That’s a classic lever. → Lever

6. Scissors – Two blades pivoting around a point — that’s two levers working together. → Lever

7. Stapler – When you press down, it drives a staple in. The pressing part acts as a lever. → Lever

8. Ladder – A ladder leans against a wall — it’s basically a slanted surface helping you climb up. That’s an inclined plane. → Inclined plane

9. Drill – A drill bit spins and bores into material. The spiral shape of the bit is a screw. Also, the motor turns a wheel/axle. But the main cutting action comes from the screw-like bit. → Screw

10. Wheelbarrow – You lift the handles (lever) and roll it on a wheel (wheel and axle). But the main lifting action is done with a lever. However, many sources say wheelbarrow = lever + wheel and axle. Since we need to pick one, and the lifting motion is key, it’s often classified as a lever. But wait — actually, the wheel helps move it, so some say wheel and axle. Let’s double-check: In most school worksheets, wheelbarrow is listed under lever because the load is between the fulcrum (wheel) and effort (handles). So yes — Lever

Wait — correction: Actually, in standard classification for this level, wheelbarrow is considered a second-class lever, where the load is between the fulcrum and the effort. So still Lever.

But hold on — looking again at common answers for this worksheet type:

Actually, let me recheck #10: Wheelbarrow — yes, it’s a lever. But some might argue wheel and axle. To be safe, let’s stick with what’s commonly taught: Lever

11. Flagpole – You pull a rope to raise the flag. The rope goes over a wheel at the top — that’s a pulley. → Pulley

Wait — I missed one! There are 12 objects? Let me count the rows:

Left column: 6 items
Right column: 6 items
Total 12.

I did 1–10 above. Let’s list them properly in order as they appear:

Row 1 left: Saw → Wedge
Row 1 right: Pliers → Lever

Row 2 left: Shopping cart → Wheel and axle
Row 2 right: Can opener → Wheel and axle

Row 3 left: Crowbar → Lever
Row 3 right: Scissors → Lever

Row 4 left: Stapler → Lever
Row 4 right: Ladder → Inclined plane

Row 5 left: Drill → Screw
Row 5 right: Wheelbarrow → Lever

Row 6 left: ? Wait — last row left is... looks like a bottle opener? Or maybe a pry bar? Actually, looking back — the last left image is probably a bottle opener, which is a lever. And last right is flagpole → pulley.

Wait — I think I miscounted earlier. Let me assign numbers based on position:

Let’s number them 1 to 12 going left to right, top to bottom:

1. Saw → Wedge
2. Pliers → Lever
3. Shopping cart → Wheel and axle
4. Can opener → Wheel and axle
5. Crowbar → Lever
6. Scissors → Lever
7. Stapler → Lever
8. Ladder → Inclined plane
9. Drill → Screw
10. Wheelbarrow → Lever
11. Bottle opener (or similar tool) → Lever
12. Flagpole → Pulley

Wait — item 11: if it’s a bottle opener, yes — lever. If it’s something else? Looking at typical worksheets, the last left is often a bottle opener or a pry bar — both levers.

So final list:

1. Saw → Wedge
2. Pliers → Lever
3. Shopping cart → Wheel and axle
4. Can opener → Wheel and axle
5. Crowbar → Lever
6. Scissors → Lever
7. Stapler → Lever
8. Ladder → Inclined plane
9. Drill → Screw
10. Wheelbarrow → Lever
11. Bottle opener → Lever
12. Flagpole → Pulley

But wait — is “can opener” really wheel and axle? Some can openers are levers. But the rotary kind (which is shown here with a turning knob) is wheel and axle. Yes.

Also, drill: the bit is a screw, but the whole tool has a motor turning a wheel/axle. However, in elementary science, drills are usually matched with “screw” because of the drill bit’s shape.

Similarly, ladder: definitely inclined plane.

Flagpole: pulley — correct.

Now, let’s write the answers in order as they appear in the worksheet (left column first, then right column):

Left column (top to bottom):
1. Saw → Wedge
2. Shopping cart → Wheel and axle
3. Crowbar → Lever
4. Stapler → Lever
5. Drill → Screw
6. Bottle opener → Lever

Right column (top to bottom):
7. Pliers → Lever
8. Can opener → Wheel and axle
9. Scissors → Lever
10. Ladder → Inclined plane
11. Wheelbarrow → Lever
12. Flagpole → Pulley

Yes, that matches the layout.

Final Answer:
Left Column:
1. Wedge
2. Wheel and axle
3. Lever
4. Lever
5. Screw
6. Lever

Right Column:
7. Lever
8. Wheel and axle
9. Lever
10. Inclined plane
11. Lever
12. Pulley