What are the six types of simple machines?

Simple machines are tools that make work easier. There are six types of simple machines: the lever, the pulley, the wheel and axle, the inclined plane, the wedge, and the screw.

A lever is a stick that can help us lift heavy things. Have you ever seen a seesaw? That’s a type of lever! A pulley is like a little wheel with a rope around it. It helps us lift things really high. Have you ever seen a flagpole with a rope to raise the flag? That’s a type of pulley!

A wheel and axle is like a fancy car wheel. It helps us move things easily. Have you ever ridden a bike or a scooter? Those have wheels and axles! An inclined plane is like a ramp. It helps us move things up or down more easily. Have you ever gone up or down a ramp in a wheelchair or on a skateboard?

A wedge is like a doorstop. It helps us keep doors open or closed. It can also help us cut things, like when we use a knife to cut an apple. A screw is like a nail, but it twists into the wood instead of just being hammered in. Have you ever helped a grown-up put together a shelf or a chair? They probably used screws!

So those are the six types of simple machines: the lever, the pulley, the wheel and axle, the inclined plane, the wedge, and the screw. They might not seem like much, but they help us do all kinds of amazing things!