1|31|26 - Become a Junior Engineer: Building Simple Machines

Hello, problem-solver! Have you ever wondered how people lift heavy rocks, move big boxes, or open tight jar lids? The secret is simple machines! These clever tools make work easier—and you can build and test them yourself. Today, we’re becoming Junior Engineers to explore, build, and experiment with simple machines using everyday items. Ready to engineer some fun?

What Is a Simple Machine?

A simple machine is a basic tool that helps us do work by changing the amount of force we use or the direction we push or pull. Long ago, engineers used simple machines to build pyramids, castles, and bridges—and we still use them every day!

There are six classic simple machines. Let’s meet them!

The Six Simple Machines

1. Lever

A lever is a long bar that pivots on a point (the fulcrum).

• Examples: Seesaw, crowbar, bottle opener
  

• Try it: Balance a ruler on a pencil. Press one end—watch the other end lift!
  

2. Wheel and Axle

A wheel attached to a rod (axle) helps things roll smoothly.

• Examples: Bicycles, doorknobs, rolling carts
  

• Try it: Roll a toy car—easy movement thanks to wheels!
  

3. Pulley

A pulley uses a wheel and rope to lift things up.

• Examples: Flagpoles, window blinds
  

• Try it: Run string over a hanger hook and lift a small bag—pulling down lifts up!
  

4. Inclined Plane

A flat surface set at an angle helps lift objects with less force.

• Examples: Ramps, slides
  

• Try it: Roll a ball up a book ramp—easier than lifting straight up!
  

5. Wedge

A wedge is like two ramps back-to-back; it splits or holds things apart.

• Examples: Doorstops, knives
  

• Try it: Slide a doorstop under a door—see how it holds the door open.
  

6. Screw

A screw is an inclined plane wrapped around a pole.

• Examples: Jar lids, light bulbs
  

• Try it: Twist a lid on and off—turning helps tighten or loosen.
  

Hands-On Engineer Activities

⚙️ Build a Mini Crane (Pulley)

• Materials: String, a ruler or stick, a cup, tape
  

• Tie the string over the stick, tape the cup to one end, pull the other end to lift “cargo.”
  

⚙️ Ramp Test (Inclined Plane)

• Materials: Books, a toy car
  

• Change the ramp height and see which angle makes the car move fastest.
  

⚙️ Lever Lift Challenge

• Materials: Ruler, pencil, coins
  

• Move the fulcrum and test how many coins you can lift.
  

⚙️ Simple Machine Hunt

• Walk around your home or playground and list where you see each machine in action.
  

⚙️ Engineer Blueprint

• Draw a picture of a playground using at least three simple machines (slide = inclined plane, swings = levers, merry-go-round = wheel and axle).

⚙️ Weight Guess Game

• Hold two objects. Which feels heavier? Use a lever (like a ruler) to compare. Engineers test before deciding.

⚙️ Distance vs Effort Test

• Push a toy car up a long ramp vs a short steep ramp. Which feels easier? Why?

Engineer Career Peek (Kid Edition)

People who use simple machines every day include:

• 🏗️ Construction workers
  

• 🚒 Firefighters
  

• 🧑‍🍳 Chefs
  

• 🚴 Bike designers
  

• 🚗 Mechanics
  

• 🎢 Roller coaster builders
  

Engineering is everywhere—even in fun jobs!

How Simple Machines Help Us Think Like Engineers

Engineers don’t just build things—they solve problems. Simple machines teach kids how to ask smart questions like:

💡 What makes this job hard?

💡 Can I push instead of lift?

💡 Can I make this move smoother?

💡 How can I use gravity to help me?

Every time you use a simple machine, you’re training your brain to work smarter, not harder.

Simple Machines Hidden in Plain Sight

Kids often use simple machines without noticing. See if you can spot these!

• Backpack zipper → wedge
  

• Water faucet handle → wheel and axle
  

• Scissors → lever + wedge
  

• Playground slide → inclined plane
  

• Door hinge → lever
  

• Screw-top toothpaste → screw
  

Engineers are great at noticing things others overlook!

Junior Engineer Challenge

✅ Identify all six simple machines
✅ Build one machine at home
✅ Test it and record what happened
✅ Explain how it made work easier

Complete the challenge and you earn the title of Junior Engineer! 

Engineering is all about curiosity, creativity, and trying again. With simple machines, you can turn big problems into easy solutions. Keep building, testing, and imagining—your next great invention starts now!