• create a time line that includes at least 10 machines in total
• you must start in the year 1300 or earlier and end within the last 10 years
• all six types of simple machines must be present
• each time line entry must include the name of the machine, an explanation, an illustration of the machine and information regarding who invented the machine
• your time line should include how the machine works and what problem the machine solved in that time of history
Must include these words
- lever
- inclined plane
- wedge
- fulcrum
- force
- pulley
- screw
- wheel and axle
- work
- load
1. Lever (3000 BC)
Explanation: A lever is a simple machine consisting of a rigid bar that pivots around a fixed point called a fulcrum. It is used to amplify force and lift heavy loads.
Illustration: [Image of a lever]
Invented by: Ancient Egyptians
How it works: By applying force at one end of the lever (effort), a load can be lifted at the other end. The placement of the fulcrum determines the amount of force needed to lift the load.
Problem solved: The lever made it easier for humans to move heavy objects and build structures.
2. Inclined Plane (2600 BC)
Explanation: An inclined plane is a flat surface that is angled, allowing objects to be moved up or down with less force than lifting vertically.
Illustration: [Image of an inclined plane]
Invented by: Ancient Mesopotamians
How it works: By reducing the angle of elevation, the inclined plane decreases the force required to move an object along its surface.
Problem solved: The inclined plane made it easier to transport heavy loads uphill or downhill, such as building materials or goods.
3. Wedge (4000 BC)
Explanation: A wedge is a triangular-shaped tool that is used to split, lift, or secure objects by converting force applied to its blunt end into force pushing apart two objects.
Illustration: [Image of a wedge]
Invented by: Ancient Sumerians
How it works: By exerting force on the wedge, it is driven into a material and the force is spread out along the sloping sides to push the material apart.
Problem solved: The wedge was used in woodworking, construction, and agriculture to cut, split, or secure materials more easily.
4. Pulley (1500 BC)
Explanation: A pulley is a wheel with a groove around its circumference and a rope or chain running along the groove. It is used to lift or move heavy loads by changing the direction of the force needed.
Illustration: [Image of a pulley]
Invented by: Ancient Greeks
How it works: By looping a rope or chain around the pulley, the load can be lifted or moved by pulling on the other end of the rope.
Problem solved: The pulley made it easier to lift heavy objects by allowing the user to apply force downwards instead of upwards.
5. Screw (3rd century BC)
Explanation: A screw is a threaded cylinder that is used with a corresponding nut to fasten objects together or lift loads by turning the screw.
Illustration: [Image of a screw]
Invented by: Archytas of Tarentum
How it works: By rotating the screw into a material or nut, the threads create a strong bond that holds the objects together or lifts the load.
Problem solved: The screw improved the efficiency of fastening objects and lifting loads compared to other methods.
6. Wheel and Axle (3500 BC)
Explanation: The wheel and axle consists of a wheel attached to a shaft called an axle. It is used to reduce friction and allow for the efficient transfer of force to move objects.
Illustration: [Image of a wheel and axle]
Invented by: Ancient Mesopotamians
How it works: By turning the wheel on the axle, the force applied is transferred to the load, allowing it to be moved with less resistance.
Problem solved: The wheel and axle revolutionized transportation, making it easier to move heavy loads over long distances.
7. Screw (200 BC)
Explanation: A screw consists of a long inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder, used for fastening objects together or for lifting loads.
Illustration: [Image of a screw]
Invented by: Archytas of Tarentum
How it works: By turning the screw into a material or nut, the threads create a strong bond that holds the objects together or lifts the load.
Problem solved: The screw improved the efficiency of fastening objects and lifting loads compared to other methods.
8. Wedge (1400 BC)
Explanation: A wedge is a simple machine in the shape of a triangular prism or pyramid, used for splitting, lifting, or securing objects by converting force at its wide end to force pushing apart two objects.
Illustration: [Image of a wedge]
Invented by: Ancient Sumerians
How it works: By exerting force on the wedge, it is driven into a material and the force is spread out along the sloping sides to push the material apart.
Problem solved: The wedge was used in various applications such as construction, woodworking, and agriculture to make tasks easier and more efficient.
9. Inclined Plane (2nd century BC)
Explanation: An inclined plane is a flat surface that is angled, allowing objects to be moved up or down with less force than lifting vertically.
Illustration: [Image of an inclined plane]
Invented by: Ancient Egyptians
How it works: By reducing the angle of elevation, the inclined plane decreases the force required to move an object along its surface.
Problem solved: The inclined plane made it easier to transport heavy loads uphill or downhill, such as building materials or goods.
10. Wheel and Axle (3500 BC)
Explanation: The wheel and axle consists of a wheel attached to a shaft called an axle. It is used to reduce friction and allow for the efficient transfer of force to move objects.
Illustration: [Image of a wheel and axle]
Invented by: Ancient Mesopotamians
How it works: By turning the wheel on the axle, the force applied is transferred to the load, allowing it to be moved with less resistance.
Problem solved: The wheel and axle revolutionized transportation, making it easier to move heavy loads over long distances.