"Simple Machines"

[Video liner notes]

Nifty Questions in this Episode/Awesome Answers

Q. What are simple machines?
A. The [six] simple machines are: wheel and axle; pulley; ramp or inclined 
plane; screw; wedge; lever.

Q. How do simple machines help us work?
A. Simple machines help change the elevation [direction] and size of 
forces.

Q. What is a wheel?
A. A wheel is many levers pivoting on one fulcrum.

--
[My notes, after previewing video]
Pulley
   - simple machines change the size & direction of force
Catapult (actually a "trebuchet") - is a lever

Teeter-Totter (See-Saw) - is a lever

Wheel - is a series of L-shaped levers; the fulcrum is the wheel hub 
(where axle connects)

Tour-de-Science '93 (bicycle race)

A stairway (staircase) is a ramp (inclined plane)

A spiral staircase is like a screw: A ramp wrapped around a rod.

"Brute Force Moving Company" (resistance)

Prosthetics and orthotics

"Simply Movers" (mechanical advantage)

S.F., CA cable cars (pulleys & levers)

Sailboat - pulleys used to raise sails