The Door Handle

Every student has done it by accident: pushed a door right next to the hinges and wondered why it suddenly felt so heavy. This one-page lever worksheet turns that everyday moment into a genuine science discovery — the door is a lever, and where you push makes all the difference.

Students read a short, friendly introduction, then study a clear top-view diagram of a door showing two push points: A close to the hinge and B near the handle. Three quick questions walk them from noticing to explaining: they identify which spot opens the door with less push, complete the rule (the farther from the hinge, the easier), and finally explain in their own words why builders always place the handle far from the hinges.

What's included:

• One-page, no-prep worksheet with labeled diagram
• Complete answer key with a sample written response
• Printable and digital

Perfect for a forces and simple machines unit, a quick warm-up, homework, or sub plans. Supports NGSS MS-ETS1-2 and MS-PS2-2 (supporting).