How Machines Help

CLOCKWORK KEEP · GEARLING

How Machines Help

Workshop Gate

Learn with Gearling, then use your clues in the adventure. Pause whenever you need time to read or think.

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Train more: lesson transcript and free resources

Gearling — How Machines Help Workshop Gate

Hi!

I'm Gearling.

Welcome to Workshop Gate!

Will you help me investigate how machines help?

The Grumblies have mixed up our clues.

Let's check the evidence!

Simple machines help apply forces,

change their direction or trade force for distance.

They do not create energy from nothing.

Do machines create energy from nothing?

  • A. No
  • B. Yes
  • C. Only very large machines do

The answer is A: No

Simple machines help apply forces,

change their direction or trade force for distance.

They do not create energy from nothing.

That clue helps us make sense of this place.

The six traditional types are lever, pulley, wheel and axle, inclined plane,

wedge and screw.

Compound machines combine parts.

What tradeoff can a ramp offer?

  • A. Less force and no movement distance
  • B. Less energy than nothing
  • C. Less force over a longer distance

The answer is C: Less force over a longer distance

Our load model compares lifting straight up with moving along

a longer ramp.

The ramp can reduce the needed pushing force

while increasing the distance moved, under suitable conditions.

Hmm...

how does that connect to our first clue?

Our load model compares lifting straight up with moving along

a longer ramp.

The ramp can reduce the needed pushing force

while increasing the distance moved, under suitable conditions.

Which is a traditional simple machine?

  • A. A painted arrow
  • B. A lever
  • C. A seventh type called a color label

The answer is B: A lever

The six traditional types are lever, pulley, wheel and axle, inclined plane,

wedge and screw.

Compound machines combine parts.

Nice investigating!

You've been following the evidence.

Let's bring our clues together before the adventure.

Simple machines help apply forces,

change their direction or trade force for distance.

The six traditional types are lever, pulley, wheel and axle, inclined plane,

wedge and screw.

Our load model compares lifting straight up with moving along

a longer ramp.

You're ready to explore Workshop Gate with me!

Choose TRAIN MORE if you'd like another look at the clues.

Choose START ADVENTURE when you're ready.

I'll be right here!

Or choose BACK TO MAP.

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