Physics / Simple Machines

 

 
     Simple machines are the foundation of all mechanical devices.  Consider the family car.  The engine pistons are based on the wheel and axel.  It produces power which is transmitted through gears to the wheel.  The suspension system uses levers.  In many cars, the gearshift and turn signals are also controlled by a lever.   Engineers who design highways use the principals of the inclined plane to determine the proper grade. 
      This section of our physics department contains a wealth of educational resources for individual study and classroom demonstration.  There are activity kits and science experiments, but also the apparatus that makes the physics of simple machines come alive.  Here you will find everything you need for the classroom and science fair projects.
      Simple machines are often the basis for more advanced studies.  More advanced topics and more complex physics apparatus may be found under Motion Dynamics. 

Science Kits
This section contains physics experiments and physics activity kits that deal with more than one of the simple machines.  Most are an introduction to the subject and cover pulleys, gears, levers and the inclined plane.
Pulleys
Pulleys provide a mechanical advantage by reducing the force needed to lift objects.  This section has science kits for individual students plus great pulley sets for classroom demonstrations. Lots of goodies:  fixed pulleys, moveable pulleys.  Single, double, triple and quadruple pulleys. Plus tandem pulleys, and specialized pulleys.
Gears
Gears are a series of continuous levers.  Explore mechanical advantage, speed to power ratios and much more.  Physics science kits for elementary classes as well as middle and high school.
Wheels 
Learn how wheels work.  Explore the difference between a rotating wheel and a wheel-and-axle unit.  These simple machines provide an  efficiency of force.  The wheel and axel apparatus is used to  determine the mechanical advantage and demonstrating the principle of conservation of energy. 
Inclined Plane
An inclined plane drastically reduces the force need to lift objects.  Explore the mechanical advantages with a variety of inclined planes.  Determining the coefficient of kinematic and static friction, mechanical advantage and efficiency of an inclined plane.

Elsewhere
To support your hands-on physics experiments with simple machines, we recommend that you check out the books in the science department of our books store.  In addition to those on simple machines, be sure to browse the section of books on science projects.  Also check our our science posters.  Both are in our sister websites and open in a new window, so you won't lose your place here. books on the physcis of simple machines
 

Physics Books

Science Posters