In an unkown time and an uncharted place, the ASPIRE crew has accepted the challenge to assist in the completion of a city being constructed of massive stones. They must work without the advantage of modern technology. They have agreed to rely primarily on the use of the six simple machines to accomplish their mission. Before getting to work, two crew members, Harry and Pic, have used available materials to fashion themselves a tetter-totter just to give them something to do for fun.

This never seems fair. Click on Pic to help get Harry's attention.

You have helped Pic get an advantage in the situation, a Mechanical Advantage.

Simple machines give us an advantage by changing the amount, speed, or direction of forces.

We are dependant on simple machines in many aspects of our lives.

• Would you have a problem if the door knob came off in your hand before you unlatched the door?
• How could you get an ATV into the back of a pickup truck if you did not have a ramp?
• How does a carpenter separate two boards that have been nailed together incorrectly?
• What do you look for when you open a drink bottle that does not have a screw-on cap?

From day to day do you find yourself using any of the six simple machines: wedge, lever, inclined plane, pulley, wheel and axle, or screw? After you have completed these activities you will be able to more easily identify your use of simple machines to accomplish work.