Science at key stage 3 (Year 9)
Unit 9L: Pressure and moments
Section 7: a. How do levers work?
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Objectives |
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- that a lever is a simple machine which uses a pivot
- about uses of levers
- that the turning effect of a lever depends on the force and its distance from the pivot
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Activities |
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Outcomes |
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Children: |
- Ask pupils how to remove the lid from a tin of paint. Offer a range of simple levers for pupils to try, and in each case ask them to identify the pivot and the position of the effort. Encourage pupils to appreciate use of a long lever arm,
eg ask pupils to cut paper with the tips of scissors and then to cut thick cardboard. They will intuitively put the card nearer the pivot to cut it. Demonstrate a torque wrench and a wheel brace.
- Ask pupils to find out about devices in the home that rely on levers.
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- describe how to make a task easier by increasing the distance between the effort and the pivot
- identify levers in a number of household devices
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Points to note |
- This topic is made easier for pupils if reference is made to what they do intuitively when choosing where to apply a force.
- Refer also to pupils' work with models and tools in design and technology.
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This unit is divided into sections. Each section contains a sequence of
activities with related objectives and outcomes. You can view this unit by
moving through the sections or print/download the whole unit.
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