What is a Simple Machine
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About this printable What is a Simple Machine science reading passage, NGSS-aligned (Grades 4-5)
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Simple Machines
A machine is a tool that makes work easier. Simple machines change the direction or amount of force needed to do work. Six types of simple machines are the wedge, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, screw and pulley. Wedges concentrate force on a small point to split or lift objects. Wheels with attached axles reduce friction to roll heavy loads more easily. Levers use a fixed point called a fulcrum to change direction and speed up movement. Inclined planes require less effort to slowly raise objects to different heights. Screws are inclined planes wrapped around structures to hold objects together or lift materials up. Pulleys use ropes and wheels to reduce the amount of force needed by distributing weight. Understanding these simple machines helps explain how many complex modern tools and vehicles work.
Comprehension quiz (4 questions)
1. What is the main idea of the passage?
2. What does a simple machine change about force?
3. Which simple machine uses a fixed fulcrum point?
4. Why are wheels and axles considered simple machines?
Common Core standards for What is a Simple Machine
Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize the text.
Explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text, including what happened and why, based on specific information in the text.
Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words or phrases in a text relevant to a grade 4 topic or subject area.
Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text based on specific information in the text.
Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases in a text relevant to a grade 5 topic or subject area.
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