How levers can help us
I can describe how levers can make difficult work easier.
How levers can help us
I can describe how levers can make difficult work easier.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A lever is a simple mechanism or machine which is useful for lifting things.
- A lever allows a smaller force to have a greater effect.
- The object you are lifting is called the load.
- The force you apply to the load to make an object move is called the effort.
- A lever requires different amounts of force depending on where the pivot is positioned.
Common misconception
All levers work in the same way.
Teaching that the position of the pivot (fulcrum) and the effort compared to load can vary.
Keywords
Force - A force is a push or a pull. Forces can make objects move, slow down, change direction or change shape.
Lever - A lever is a simple mechanism or machine which is useful for lifting things.
Load - The load is the object you are lifting with a lever.
Effort - The effort is the force needed to do a job.
Pivot - The pivot is the fixed point where a lever turns.
Equipment
Force meters, stiff wooden rulers or rods, masses, elastic bands, sticky tape.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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Starter quiz
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