Provides examples to describe levers as simple machines used to lift, push, or move a load. Includes an activity.

Explains how and why ramps and other inclined planes are used in everyday life.

Provides examples showing how screws are simple machines that make joining things together and moving, easier.

Describes many different kinds, uses, and benefits of pulleys. Provides examples of pulleys by showing a flagpole, a crane, an elevator and window blinds.

Presents examples of levers used in the past and in everyday contemporary life.

You might not realize it, but you use many kinds of levers every day. The fork you use to eat, the broom you use to sweep, and the scissors you use to cut paper are all levers. Even the bones inside your body are levers. Levers help us lift things and get work done—readers learn all about the science behind levers in this fun and fact-filled book. Bright photographs and illustrations accompany accessible text to help readers understand the science concepts presented in this book. Readers will also find a detailed graphic organizer and glossary inside, allowing them to independently explore these simple machines.

The shovel that helps you dig a hole, the chopsticks you use at lunch, and some of the big machines we see when passing by construction sites are all examples of levers. This book takes a look at the simple machine behind these different objects, using everyday examples and kid-friendly experiments to illustrate the physics behind this fascinating simple machine. Easy-to-read text will encourage readers, while large, colorful photographs will illustrate the concepts at hand. Students will be interested to see the ways that they interact with levers on a daily basis, and further reading and websites will encourage them to seek additional information.