Simple Machines – Wheel & Axle

This wheel and axle has a sturdy wooden construction, making it an excellent resource for classroom demonstrations. This apparatus can show how a crane works, as well as several other uses for a wheel and axle. The wheel and axle is a simple machine consisting of a wheel (or crank) and an axle that turn on the same axis. Steering wheels, doorknobs, and screwdrivers are examples of wheel-and-axle devices. This model is a perfect resource for inquiry based learning. How will the wheel and axle create mechanical advantage? What can they change to the model to create a bigger advantage? Let students test their hypothesis by changing the variables. Was their theory correct or did they have to adjust it? Let them think about wheels and axles in every day life and find out how they make our lives easier.   The model includes and instruction manual, to facilitate both teachers and students with the use of this model.

It is made of particle board and metal pegs to hold the lever arm and wheels in place. The base of the model measures 24 cm (W) x 9.5 cm (L) with a height of 11.5 cm.