Year 7 Science · Unit 3 · Lesson 17

Simple Machines — Levers and Pulleys

Foundation Worksheet

Name
Date
Class

Learning Goals

Fill the gap

Choose the correct word from the word bank to complete each sentence. Two words will not be used.

lever fulcrum load effort pulley mechanical advantage friction velocity

A simple machine like a is a rigid bar that rotates around a fixed pivot point called the . The weight you are trying to move is called the , and the force you apply to move it is called the . A uses a grooved wheel and rope to change the direction or size of a force. When a machine allows you to move a heavy load with less force than the load itself, the machine has a greater than 1.

True or False? Fix the false ones

Circle T or F for each statement. If the statement is false, rewrite it correctly on the line below.

A lever creates extra energy — that's why it makes lifting easier.

Correct it:

T
F

In a class 2 lever, the fulcrum is between the effort and the load.

Correct it:

T
F

A fixed pulley attached to a ceiling beam always reduces the effort force you need to apply.

Correct it:

T
F

A seesaw is an example of a class 1 lever because the fulcrum is between the effort and the load.

Correct it:

T
F

Tweezers are a class 3 lever because the effort is between the fulcrum and the load.

Correct it:

T
F

1. A wheelbarrow is a class 2 lever. Identify the positions of the fulcrum, load, and effort on a wheelbarrow.

Recall 2 marks

2. A construction crane in Sydney CBD uses a movable pulley to lift heavy steel beams. Explain one advantage of using a movable pulley rather than a fixed pulley for this task.

Recall 2 marks

Wrap Up

In one sentence, what was the main idea of this lesson?