Neaque’Williams 1/30/12 3rdblock-Bday Simple Machine
Pictures	Name of simple machines	Definition	Purpose & characteristics
	wedge	An object that has one thick end and the opposite end having an thin edge, that is driven between two objects.	Purpose-Used to stop certain objects that needs assistance to be stopped such as a door. Characteristics-thick end and thin edge kind of like an right triangle.
	lever	A rigid bar resting on a pivot used to help move a heavy or firmly fixed load with one end and pressure  applied to the other.	Purpose-lift an heavy load or object. Characteristics- A stick shaped pole or pole shaped stick with a fulcrum under it.
	Screw	A short, slender sharp pointed metal pin with a raised helical thread running around it and a slotted head used to join things.	Purpose- To join things together Characteristics- Small, sharp pointed and has round dents.
	Pulley	A wheel with a grooved rim around which a cord passes it acts to change the direction of a force applied to the cord.	Purpose- To help pull things up or help pull them down Characteristics- Sometimes two circles but mostly one with rope or cord around it
	Gear	One of a set of toothed wheels that work together to alter the relation between the speed of an driving mechanism.	Purpose- To help move some objects for a long time. Characteristics- A circle shaped object some small and some big with small or large spikes to connect with one another
	Wheel and axle	A device used of an consist of a grooved wheel turned by an object with a rigidly attached axle.	Purpose- To help move objects while rolling. Characteristics-wheel or tire connected to a pole moving the same direction.
	Inclined	A sloped ramp used to help push object onto an higher platform	Purpose- To help lift or pull objects onto an higher platform. Characteristics- Ramp can be long or short but faced upward toward higher platform.