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Physics · Forces & Motion
Simple Machines Explorer, Years 7–8
Students compare load force, effort force, mechanical advantage and distance moved across levers, pulleys, inclined planes and wheel-and-axle systems. The full interactive is available to licensed Education Universe users.
Years 7–8Explorer
Learning outcomes
- Describe how simple machines change the size or direction of a force.
- Calculate mechanical advantage.
- Explain the trade-off between force and distance.
Teaching guidance
Ask students why a machine that reduces effort must increase the distance moved.
Use Simple Machines Explorer with your class
Start a free 30-day trial with class codes and progress tracking, or talk to us about your school's licence.
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Simple Machines Explorer is one of the licensed interactives in The Education Universe. This page describes it; teachers use it in lessons and classes with a licence or the free trial.