Exploring Simple Machines: Levers

"The closer the fulcrum is to the load, the easier it is."

We have started learning about Simple Machines in Science. There are six simple machines: levers, wheel and axel, pulley, incline plane, wedge, and screw.

Yesterday, Ms Elder set up four centres for us to learn more about levers. 

At Centre 1, Ms Elder taught us that there are three classes for levers (first, second, and third). A first class lever has the fulcrum in the middle, just like a scissors. A second class lever has the load in the middle, just like a nutcracker. A third class lever has the effort (force) in the middle, just like a pair of tweezers.

Learning the Types of Levers

At Centre 2, we learned that for first-class levers, that if you move the fulcrum closer to the load, it is easier to lift. The further the fulcrum is from the load, the harder it is to lift. 

Making a Prediction before Testing

Experimenting with First-Class Levers

At Centre 3, we learned that for third-class levers, if the effort is closer to the load, it is easier. We tried picking up a block with tweezers. The further our fingers were from the block, the harder it was. 

Experimenting with Third-Class Levers

At Centre 4, we learned more about different classes of levers. 

When you trade distance for force, you gain leverage.

"I liked that we learned a lot about levers." ~ Olivia
"I liked that we got to learn a lot about levers. At each station, we got to actually try things out." ~ Greta
"I liked that we had fun in the activities." ~ ZA
"I liked how Ms Elder created centres for us to work at instead of just teaching it all together at the carpet." ~ Thanve
"I liked that we each got a turn to try the experiment." ~ Asma
"I liked that each centre was different." ~ Henry
"I liked that we got to work together and we could work in groups and figure it out." ~ Zoya
"I liked how at one centre, we didn't know what anything meant but at the next centre we learned it." ~ Oscar
"I really liked all four centres and I learned something from them." ~ Umar
"I liked how all of the centres taught me something." ~ Mary Jane
"I liked how everybody enjoyed every centre." ~ Eshan

Today, we learned that catapults are a type of lever (check the videos in Google Classroom to learn more)!

We got to experiment with materials to create our own catapults. We tested them by trying to shoot a cotton ball into a cup. We can keep testing and building at home. Here are some pics of us making our catapults: