A long time ago
Even before phones with computer screens
People had to solve all kinds of problems
So they invented Simple Machines!
How to move things from place to place
This kind of problem is a pretty big deal
Do you have a stick and something round?
Oh hey, it's an axle that moves around a wheel!
How to get from low to high
This kind of problem is hurting your brain
Can you make a ramp that is on a slant?
Oh hey, it's an inclined plane!
How to lift something off the ground
You can do it I'll make you a believer
Get a fulcrum that stays and a bar that moves
Put them together and hey, it's a lever!
How to move something really high
Higher than your head, no it's not silly
You will need a rope and a wheel
Put them together and hey, it's a pulley!
How to break something apart
You will need a tool with a sharp edge
Look at these two inclined planes
Add some force and hey, it's a wedge!
How to hold something in place
This is a job you might need to do
Take this metal shaft, with spiral threads
Turn it round and round, and hey, it's a screw!
A long long time ago, and even today
And all the time that's in between
People have to solve all kinds of problems
So we use Simple Machines!