We are learning about simple machines. A simple machine is a mechanical device that changes the direction or magnitude of a force. A few of the words we have learned are: force, lever, fulcrum, pulley, and wedge.

Force and Lever
Force is something that changes the motion of an object.
A lever is a stiff bar that rests on a support called a fulcrum which lifts or moves loads. A seesaw is a lever with a fulcrum.

Pulley
Pulleys change the direction of force. Flagpoles and elevators use pulleys.

Wedge
A wedge is a simple machine used to push two objects apart. Examples of the wedge include knives, chisels, and axes.