English National Curriculum - Science Science

3. Show how simple machines can reduce effort

Mission Objectives

Describe what a leaver, gear, and pulley is

Explain how leavers, gears, and pulleys reduce effort

Design a crane or other simple machine that demonstrates a lever, gear or pulley in action

Sign up to view the full lesson

Rocket Words Quiz

See if you know all the meanings of the rocket words

Assessment Quiz

Test your knowledge of this lesson

Word Search Game

Find all the rocket words in the grid

Lesson Resources

Lesson Plan

View and print the lesson plan

View

Downloads

Save files related to this lesson

Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

machine

an apparatus using mechanical power and having several parts, working together to perform a particular task

lever

a rigid bar resting on a pivot, used to move a load with one end when pressure is applied to the other

gear

a toothed wheel that interlocks with others to transfer rotational motion

mechanism

a system of parts working together in a machine

pulley

a wheel which acts to change the direction of a force applied to the cord

Sponsored by

Magnox Ltd

This lesson has been written by

Kate Richards

Kate’s journey as a science educator spans over 15 enriching years. Her passion for unravelling the complexities of the human body led her away from medicine (as she hates blood but loves medical t-shows) and into the world of teaching. She’s had the privilege of nurturing young minds in KS3 and KS4 science, guiding A-level Biology students, and even taught year 4 students in Spain, broadening her teaching horizons early in her career. Kate holds a Masters in Teaching (MTeach) and specialises in biology. Her research for her Master's degree focused on the profound impact of self-efficacy on classroom learning. Beyond the classroom, she finds solace in leisurely family walks and exploring new destinations through travel. She finds that the most rewarding aspect of teaching is witnessing those magical "light bulb moments" when students grasp the intricacies of science right before her eyes. 

Required Resources

Resources: Paper/card (stiff), craft materials (including straws and string), tape/glue, scissors/craft knife.

Handout: An investigation sheet for the students to complete.

Warning: You are now leaving Developing Experts.

These links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval from Developing Experts of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organisation or individual.

Developing Experts bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.

You will be redirected to:

Expert film

Sign up to view this full lesson

This lesson is only available to registered users, you can sign up for an account to get full access to this lesson.

Simply click the "Start your free trial" button below to get started.

Mission assignment film

Sign up to view this full lesson

This lesson is only available to registered users, you can sign up for an account to get full access to this lesson.

Simply click the "Start your free trial" button below to get started.

Careers related to this lesson

Operations Support Worker

Nuclear Decomissioning Operative

Nuclear Decomissioning Team Leader

Nuclear Decomissioning Site Engineer

Manager of Production or Maintenance

Technical or Production Director