REPRODUCIBLE 32
CHAPTER 3
Third Grade SOL News
SCIENCE
UPDATE
Science SOL 3:2
Force, Motion, and Energy
The student will investigate and
understand simple machines and their
uses. Key concepts include:
a) purpose and function of simple
machines
b) types of simple machines
c) compound machines
d) examples of simple and compound
machines found in the school, home,
and work environments
What is expected of my child?
In order to meet this standard, it is expected that students will
• Identify and differentiate the six types of simple machines: lever, screw,
pulley, wheel and axle, inclined plane, and wedge.
• Differentiate and classify specific examples of simple machines found in
school and household items. These include a screwdriver, nutcracker,
screw, flagpole pulley, ramp, and seesaw.
• Analyze the application of and explain the function of each of the six
types of simple machines. An example would be that an inclined plane is a
ramp to make it easier for a heavy object to be moved up or down.
• Identify and classify the simple machines which compose a compound
machine, such as scissors, wheelbarrow, and bicycle.
• Design and construct an apparatus that contains a simple machine.
Learning at home!
Your child is learning about the six simple machines and how they help
us do work. Challenge your child to find some of them around your home
or in your daily travels. When you see one in action, take some time to
observe and discuss how simple machines work. When two or more simple
machines work together they create a compound machine.
1. Levers help lift. Crowbars, seesaws, nutcrackers, wheelbarrows,
bottle openers, hammers, and even fishing rods are examples of levers!
2. Inclined planes help us go up and down. Have you ever
seen someone pushing a wheelchair or a box up a ramp? If so, you
have seen an inclined plane in action!
3. Wedges cut. Nearly all cutting machines make use of the
wedge. Whenever you use scissors, saws, knives, nails,
thumbtacks, or pins you are using a wedge.
4. Wheels and axles go around and around.
The wheel and axle can be found in skateboards, bicycles,
automobiles, and roller skates. A simple screwdriver also uses the
principles of the wheel and axle.
5. Screws hold things together. Putting the lid back on a jar is
using a screw! A screw is also used in drills and to open and close a vise.
6. Pulleys raise and lower. Pulleys can be found on flag poles and
venetian blinds.
If you have the opportunity, allow your child to create or use some of
these tools at home. Just remember the rules of safety!
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