Simple Machines Match Worksheet - Free Printable

Task Overview:

The task involves matching simple machines to their operations and identifying examples of each simple machine in a classroom setting. Let's solve this step by step.

---

Part 1: Match the Simple Machine to Its Operation

#### Definitions of Simple Machines:
1. Lever: A straight rod or board that pivots on a point called a fulcrum, which can be moved depending on the weight of the object and the force needed. It is used to make lifting easier.
2. Wheel & Axle: A set of wheels connected by a smaller cylinder, called an axle, allowing the set to turn. This makes moving objects easier.
3. Wedge: Two inclined planes joined back to back that fit into crevices and are used to split things in two.
4. Inclined Plane: A sloping surface used to alter the effort and distance involved in doing work, such as lifting loads.
5. Pulley: A wheel with a groove around the outside edge where a rope is placed and is used to make pulling objects upward easier.
6. Screw: An inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder, which easily moves through material such as wood.

#### Matching the Simple Machines to Their Operations:
- Lever: "a straight rod or board that pivots on a point called a fulcrum which can be moved depending weight of the object and the force needed; used to make lifting easier."
- Wheel & Axle: "a set of wheels connected by a smaller cylinder, called an axle, allowing the set to turn; makes moving objects easier."
- Wedge: "two inclined planes joined back to back that fit into crevices and are used to split things in two."
- Inclined Plane: "a sloping surface, used to alter the effort and distance involved in doing work, such as lifting loads."
- Pulley: "a wheel with a groove around the outside edge where a rope is placed and is used to make pulling objects upward easier."
- Screw: "an inclined place wrapped around a cylinder which easily moves through material such as wood."

#### Final Matches:
1. Lever → "a straight rod or board that pivots on a point called a fulcrum which can be moved depending weight of the object and the force needed; used to make lifting easier."
2. Wheel & Axle → "a set of wheels connected by a smaller cylinder, called an axle, allowing the set to turn; makes moving objects easier."
3. Wedge → "two inclined planes joined back to back that fit into crevices and are used to split things in two."
4. Inclined Plane → "a sloping surface, used to alter the effort and distance involved in doing work, such as lifting loads."
5. Pulley → "a wheel with a groove around the outside edge where a rope is placed and is used to make pulling objects upward easier."
6. Screw → "an inclined place wrapped around a cylinder which easily moves through material such as wood."

---

Part 2: Find Examples of Each Simple Machine in the Classroom

#### Identifying Examples:
1. Lever:
- Example: A pair of scissors (the blades act as levers).
- Example: A seesaw or a playground teeter-totter.

2. Wheel & Axle:
- Example: The wheels on a chair or desk caster.
- Example: The wheels on a pencil sharpener.

3. Wedge:
- Example: A doorstopper (used to keep doors open or closed).
- Example: A knife blade (used for cutting).

4. Inclined Plane:
- Example: A ramp used to move heavy objects up to a higher level.
- Example: The slanted roof of a building (if visible from the classroom window).

5. Pulley:
- Example: A flagpole with a pulley system to raise and lower the flag.
- Example: A rope and pulley system used to hang curtains or blinds.

6. Screw:
- Example: A screw in a piece of furniture (e.g., a desk or chair).
- Example: A corkscrew used to open bottles.

#### Final Examples:
- Lever: Scissors, seesaw.
- Wheel & Axle: Chair casters, pencil sharpener.
- Wedge: Doorstopper, knife blade.
- Inclined Plane: Ramp, slanted roof.
- Pulley: Flagpole pulley, curtain/blind pulley.
- Screw: Furniture screw, corkscrew.

---

Final Answer:

\[
\boxed{
\begin{array}{ll}
\text{Lever} & \text{Scissors, seesaw} \\
\text{Wheel & Axle} & \text{Chair casters, pencil sharpener} \\
\text{Wedge} & \text{Doorstopper, knife blade} \\
\text{Inclined Plane} & \text{Ramp, slanted roof} \\
\text{Pulley} & \text{Flagpole pulley, curtain/blind pulley} \\
\text{Screw} & \text{Furniture screw, corkscrew} \\
\end{array}
}
\]