KEY IDEAS

• People rely on machines to make tasks easier to do
• Machines transfer energy from one part of a machine to another to get tasks done
• Machines use ramps, levers, pulleys, and/or gears, enabling larger loads to moved requiring less energy

EXAMPLE QUESTIONS

• How are machines useful?
• What do we use machines for?
• How do machines make tasks easier to do?

MACHINES MAKE TASKS EASIER

• Machines are devices that are designed and used by people to make jobs easier.
• Some examples of machines are lawnmowers, sewing machines and computers.

MACHINES AND DEVICES ARE ALWAYS BEING DESIGNED AND IMPROVED

• Humans have come to rely on machines to make tasks easier.
• Early machines were levers, ramps, pulleys and other simple tools.
• Today, many machines have become highly sophisticated and often complex.
• Designs of older machines are always being improved and adapted if they:
• Do the job for which they were designed more efficiently
• Are easier to use
• Use less energy
• Require less human effort
• Are more accurate in what they do
• Are affordable