This is the Science 6 Quarter 3 Module 3 self-learning module, Characteristics and Uses of Simple Machines. It is an Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) module from DepEd Region VI – Western Visayas (First Edition, 2020), written for Grade 6 learners studying at home or in class. After working through its single lesson, learners should be able to name the six simple machines, describe what each one looks like and does, and spot them in everyday tools.
On this page 7 sections
What learners will learn
The module targets the competency to manipulate simple machines to describe their characteristics and uses (S6FE-IIIg-i-3). By the end, learners are expected to:
- describe the characteristics and uses of simple machines;
- manipulate the different simple machines; and
- show appreciation of the importance of simple machines in daily life.
Lesson in this module
The module has one lesson: Lesson 1 – Characteristics and Uses of Simple Machines. It explains that long ago, churches, houses, and other structures were built without advanced machinery, using only simple machines. These tools were not meant to replace work. They make work easier and faster by multiplying force and speed and by changing the direction of the force applied.
The six types of simple machines
The module’s “What is It” section describes each type with its characteristics, examples, and uses.
| Type | What it looks like | Examples | What it is used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inclined plane | A flat surface raised at an angle, like a ramp | Stairs, slide, wood ramp | Raising a heavy object by moving it up a slope |
| Wedge | Two inclined planes back to back that taper to a thin edge | Nails, axes, pins, knives | Cutting or splitting materials apart |
| Wheel and axle | A round frame (wheel) that turns on a rod (axle) | Rolling pin, doorknob, steering wheel | Raising weights and moving loads over land and long distances |
| Pulley | A wheel that carries a rope, cord, cable, chain, or belt on its rim | Flagpole, ropes on a sailboat, movable clothesline | Lifting, raising, and lowering a load more easily |
| Screw | A long inclined plane wrapped around a shaft, with a spiral rib | Jar lid, bolt, bottom end of a bulb | Fastening things and holding lifted objects |
| Lever | A long bar that turns or lifts on a support called the fulcrum | Can opener, tweezers, wheelbarrow | Lifting, removing, or pulling out objects easily |
Parts and classes of levers
A lever has three parts:
- Fulcrum: the supporting point of the lever.
- Effort: the force used to cause movement.
- Load: the weight being moved or lifted.
Levers are grouped into three classes based on where these parts are placed:
| Class | Arrangement | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| First class | Fulcrum is between the load and the effort | Scissors, crowbar, seesaw |
| Second class | Load is between the fulcrum and the effort | Wagon, bottle opener, nutcracker |
| Third class | Effort is between the fulcrum and the load | Broom, stapler, fishing rod |
Everyday examples from the module
The module uses familiar situations to help learners connect ideas to real life. Raising the flag during the flag ceremony uses a pulley. A ramp that helps a friend in a wheelchair is an inclined plane. A knife used to slice vegetables is a wedge, a doorknob is a wheel and axle, and tongs used to lift fried chicken from a pan are a lever.
Parts and activities of the module
- What I Know: a 10-item pretest on simple machines.
- What’s In: matching tools such as scissors, a knife, a broom, a nail cutter, and a wheelbarrow to the tasks they do.
- What’s New – Activity 1: Simple Machines in Action: learners handle tools found at home (tweezers, scissors, stairs, doorknob, knife, bolt, pulley, broom, nail cutter, faucet) and choose each one’s characteristic and use.
- What is It: the discussion of the six simple machines and the three classes of levers.
- What’s More: Activity 2 (matching machines to their descriptions) and Activity 3 (identifying the type of simple machine in each picture).
- What I Have Learned: a fill-in-the-blanks summary.
- What I Can Do: listing at least five activities at home that use simple machines and naming the machine used.
- Assessment: a 10-item post-test.
- Additional Activities: sorting tools such as a bolt, broom, ladder, flagpole, and steering wheel into the six types.
- Answer Key: answers for every activity and test.
How to use this module
For learners: Start with the pretest, then go through each part in order. Write all answers on a separate sheet of paper and do not mark the module. Take the post-test at the end and check your work honestly with the answer key. Ask your teacher or facilitator if any task is unclear.
For parents: Activity 1 asks learners to handle real household tools, including sharp ones. The module asks parents to supervise this activity.
For teachers and facilitators: The pretest results show whether a learner can proceed on their own or needs extra help. The “What I Can Do” task lets learners show they can find simple machines in their own homes.
Frequently asked questions
What grade and quarter is this simple machines module for?
It is for Grade 6 Science, Quarter 3, Module 3. It has one lesson, Characteristics and Uses of Simple Machines.
What are the six types of simple machines in the module?
The module covers the lever, wheel and axle, inclined plane, pulley, wedge, and screw.
What are the three classes of levers?
In a first class lever the fulcrum is between the load and the effort, as in scissors and a seesaw. In a second class lever the load is in the middle, as in a bottle opener. In a third class lever the effort is in the middle, as in a broom or stapler.
Does the module have an answer key?
Yes. The answer key covers the pretest, all activities, the What I Have Learned section, the assessment, and the additional activities.
What competency does this module address?
It addresses competency S6FE-IIIg-i-3: manipulate simple machines to describe their characteristics and uses.
Full text of the module
The text below is a transcription of the PDF above, as printed.
Science Quarter 3 – Module 3: Characteristics and Uses of Simple Machines
6
Science
Quarter 3 – Module 3: Characteristics and Uses of Simple Machines
[illustration: students studying at home and outdoors, with a teacher, a lamp, and a globe]
CO_Q3_SCIENCE 6_Module 3
Science – Grade 6 Alternative Delivery Mode Quarter 3 – Module 3: Characteristics and Uses of Simple Machines First Edition, 2020
Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency or office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such work for profit. Such agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of royalties.
Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names, trademarks, etc.) included in this module are owned by their respective copyright holders. Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from their respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership over them.
Published by the Department of Education Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio
Development Team of the Module
Writers: Nesa Marie Kristelle A. Tindoc and Edna Rose P. Gueco
Editor: Osward P. Acebedo
Reviewers: Ellen G. Dela Cruz and Grace D. Lopez
Illustrators: Raymond Michael A. Gayatin and Francis A. Gonzales
Layout Artist: Nesa Marie Kristelle A. Tindoc, Antionette D. Sacyang
Management Team: Ramir B. Uytico, Pedro T. Escobarte Jr. Gladys Amylaine D. Sales, Peter J. Galimba Elena P. Gonzaga Donald T. Genine Janalyn B. Navarro Ellen G. De la Cruz Edna Rose P. Gueco
Printed in the Philippines by
Department of Education – Region VI – Western Visayas
Office Address: Duran Street, Iloilo City Telefax: (033) 336-2816, (033) 509-7653 E-mail Address: region6@deped.gov.ph
6
Science
Quarter 3 – Module 3: Characteristics and Uses of Simple Machines
Introductory Message
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our dear learners, can continue your studies and learn while at home. Activities, questions, directions, exercises, and discussions are carefully stated for you to understand each lesson.
Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide you step-by-step as you discover and understand the lesson prepared for you.
Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on lessons in each SLM. This will tell you if you need to proceed on completing this module or if you need to ask your facilitator or your teacher’s assistance for better understanding of the lesson.
At the end of each module, you need to answer the post-test to self-check your learning. Answer keys are provided for each activity and test. We trust that you will be honest in using these.
In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teacher are also provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and reminders on how they can best help you on your home-based learning.
Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on any part of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises and test and read the instructions carefully before performing each task.
If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator.
Thank you.
What I Need to Know
This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you manipulate simple machines to describe their characteristics and uses (S6FE-IIIg-i-3). The scope of this module permits it to be used in many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.
The module has only one lesson:
- Lesson 1 – Characteristics and Uses of Simple Machines
After going through this module, you are expected to:
- describe the characteristics and uses of simple machines;
- manipulate the different simple machines; and
- show appreciation on the importance of simple machines to daily life.
What I Know
Directions: Read carefully each question or situation then answer based on your experience in manipulating simple machines. Write the letter of your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
Which of the following helps people do work which requires less effort?
- A. device
- B. equipment
- C. gears
- D. simple machines
During the flag ceremony, Karl is in charge of raising the flag. The simple machine Karl uses to raise the flag is called _____.
- A. lever
- B. pulley
- C. inclined plane
- D. wedge
Cindy uses a can opener to open the can of tomatoes. A can opener is an example of a _____.
- A. lever
- B. pulley
- C. inclined plane
- D. wheel and axle
To close a bottle of jam, Trixie uses a lid cover. Which kind of simple machine is lid cover?
- A. lever
- B. pulley
- C. screw
- D. wedge
Allan uses the ramp to help his sick friend on a wheelchair to move up the building. A ramp is an example of a/an _____.
- A. inclined plane
- B. pulley
- C. screw
- D. wheel and axle
Eva helps her mother to slice the vegetables using a knife. A knife is an example of a _____.
- A. lever
- B. pulley
- C. screw
- D. wedge
Errol wants to hang the picture frame on the wall. Which simple machine will Errol use?
- A. lever
- B. pulley
- A. inclined plane
- C. screw
[transcriber’s note: the third option is printed with the letter “A” in the original, between “B” and “C”]
Gemma is trying to open the doorknob. Which type of simple machine is a doorknob?
- A. inclined plane
- B. lever
- C. pulley
- D. wheel and axle
Which type of simple machine consists of a rope that passes over a grooved wheel?
- A. inclined plane
- B. lever
- C. pulley
- D. wedge
Which type of simple machine has bars that turn or pivot on a fixed point?
- A. inclined plane
- B. lever
- C. screw
- D. wheel and axle
Lesson 1 Characteristics and Uses of Simple Machines
Hundreds of years ago, when churches, houses, and many structures were built in many places in the Philippines and all over the world, no sophisticated machineries were used. These structures were built only with the help of simple machines. Simple machines served as practical solutions to our ancestor’s daily struggles before. These were not meant to replace or eliminate work; instead, they were made to make work easier and faster. For example, moving a heavy object a long time ago was a burden to our ancestors; thus, men thought of ways on how to lessen this difficulty. With the help of machines, tasks are done faster and with ease.
In the field of Physics, a simple machine is any of several devices with no moving parts that are used to modify motion and force in order to perform work. There are six basic types of simple machines, lever, wheel and axle, inclined plane, pulley, wedge and screw. Simple machines help people do their work easier and faster. It multiplies force and speed and changes the direction of the force applied.
What’s In
Directions: Match the tools needed to do the task in Column A with the objects in Column B. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| _______1. [illustration: scissors] scissors | [illustration: apple] slicing an apple |
| _______2. [illustration: knife] knife | [illustration: waste pile] sweeping of waste |
| _______3. [illustration: broom] broom | [illustration: roll of cloth] roll of cloth |
| _______4. [illustration: nail cutter] nail cutter | [illustration: garbage pile] collecting of garbage |
| _______5. [illustration: wheelbarrow] wheelbarrow | [illustration: hand] cutting nails |
Illustrated by Raymond Michael A. Gayatin and Francis A. Gonzales
What’s New
Activity 1: Simple Machines in Action
Simple machines are tools that we use every day in school, at the park, and at home. These tools make our work easier and faster. In this activity, you will learn how to use these simple machines and be able to identify their characteristics and uses.
Instructions:
- Look for any of the following materials available at your home such as tweezers, scissors, stairs, doorknob, knife, bolt, pulley, broom, nail cutter, and faucet.
- Manipulate each tool. Caution: Be careful with sharp objects. Have your parents supervise you when performing this task. Observe and analyze their characteristics and uses.
- Answer the following by choosing the correct characteristic and use of each simple machine. Write the letter of your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
| Simple Machines | Characteristics | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| 1. tweezers [illustration: tweezers] | a. spiral b. rounded shape c. with handle | d. to pull out e. to cut f. to move |
| 2. stairs [illustration: stairs] | a. flat and inclined b. long and sharp c. round with groove | d. to connect a lower to higher level e. to carry objects f. to fasten things |
| 3. knife [illustration: knife] | a. round b. sharp c. spiral | d. to cut e. to pull out f. to move |
Illustrated by Raymond Michael A. Gayatin and Francis A. Gonzales
transcriber’s note: table continued from the previous page
| Simple Machines | Characteristics | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| 4. bolt [illustration: bolt] | a. spiral b. round c. long | d. to open e. to fasten f. to move load |
| 5. pulley [illustration: pulley with rope and load] | a. round shape with rope b. long and sharp c. round and spiral | d. to move objects e. to cut objects f. to raise a load |
Illustrated by Raymond Michael A. Gayatin and Francis A. Gonzales
What is It
Read and Learn More.
Below are the six types of simple machines, its examples, characteristics, and uses.
| Type | Characteristics | Tool | Use/s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inclined Plane | A flat surface raised at an angle (sloping or slanting) surface, looks like a ramp. | Stairs, slide, and wood ramp [illustration: wood ramp and stairs] | Lift or raise a heavy object by moving up a slope. |
| Wedge | Objects with two inclined planes positioned back to back that tapers to a thin edge. | Nails, axes, pins, and knives [illustration: razor blade and knife] | Cutting or splitting certain materials apart. |
| Wheel and axle | Made up of a circular frame (wheel) that revolves on a shaft or rod (axle). | Rolling pin, doorknob, and steering wheel. [illustration: rolling pin and doorknob] | Raising weights and carrying or transport loads over land and travel a long distance. |
| Pulley | A wheel carries a flexible rope, cord, cable, chain, or belt on its rim. | Flagpole, ropes on a sailboat, and movable clothesline [illustration: pulley with flag and sailboat] | Lifting or raising and lowering a load easier. |
| Screw | A long inclined plane wrapped around a shaft. *A circular cylindrical thing with a continuous winding or spiral rib. | Jar lid, bolt, and bottom end of a bulb [illustration: light bulb and bolt] | Fastens or hold fastened things and used to hold lifted objects. |
| Lever | A long beam or bar that rests or turns or lifts on support (fulcrum). The lever has three parts: fulcrum, load, and effort. | can opener, tweezers and wheelbarrow [illustration: tweezers and wheelbarrow] | Lifting, removing, or pulling out objects easily. |
Illustrated by Raymond Michael A. Gayatin and Francis A. Gonzales
transcriber’s note: table continued from the previous page
| Type | Characteristics | Tool | Use/s |
|---|---|---|---|
| [illustration: lever diagram with labels R (box on beam), F (fulcrum triangle), and E (downward arrow)] • Fulcrum is the supporting point of the lever. • Effort is the force used to cause movement. • Load is the weight being move or lifted. There are three classes of lever based on the positions of the effort, load, and fulcrum. |
| Classes of Lever | Description | Tools |
|---|---|---|
| First Class Lever [illustration: lever diagram with labels L, F, E] | Fulcrum is located between the load and effort. | Scissors, crowbar, seesaw [illustration: scissors and crowbar] |
| Second Class Lever [illustration: lever diagram with labels L, E, F] | Load is located between the fulcrum and effort. | wagon, bottle opener, nutcracker [illustration: bottle opener and wagon] |
| Third Class Lever [illustration: lever diagram with labels E, L, F] | Effort is located between the fulcrum and load. | broom, stapler, fishing rod [illustration: broom and stapler] |
Illustrated by Raymond Michael A. Gayatin and Francis A. Gonzales
What’s More
Activity 2: Describing Simple Machine
Directions: Match the simple machines in Column A with its characteristics and uses in Column B. Write your answer on a separate piece of paper.
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| _______1. [illustration: saw] saw | A. It is a round frame revolving on a shaft or rod and used to transport loads over land. |
| _______2. [illustration: broom] broom | B. It has a sharp edge and used for cutting and slicing. |
| _______3. [illustration: steering wheel] steering wheel | C. It is an inclined plane with a spiral rib used to hold or fasten lifted objects. |
| _______4. [illustration: slide] slide | D. It is long with a handle and is used to remove dirt. |
| _______5. [illustration: jar lid] jar lid | E. It is round with a rope and is used to raise and lower loads easier. |
| _______6. [illustration: pulley] pulley | F. It is flat and has a sloping surface and is used to connect a lower level to a higher level. |
Illustrated by Raymond Michael A. Gayatin and Francis A. Gonzales
Activity 3: Identifying Simple Machine
Directions: Identify the type of simple machine shown on each illustration. Write LEVER, PULLEY, WEDGE, INCLINED PLANE, SCREW, or WHEEL AND AXLE. The first number is done for you.
- [illustration: pulley with rope and load] PULLEY
- [illustration: tongs] _____________________
- [illustration: slide] _____________________
- [illustration: axe] _____________________
- [illustration: wheel and axle] _______________________
- [illustration: scissors] ______________________
- [illustration: light bulb] ______________________
- [illustration: razor blade] ______________________
- [illustration: nail] ______________________
- [illustration: ball on inclined plane] ________________________
Illustrated by Raymond Michael A. Gayatin and Francis A. Gonzales
What I Have Learned
Directions: Fill in the blanks to complete the sentences below by choosing the appropriate word/s found in the box.
simple machines | pulley | lever | wedge | wheel and axle | inclined plane | screw
I have learned that:
- _____________________ help makes work easier and faster.
- _____________________ is a bar that turns or lifts against a “fulcrum” or support.
- _____________________ is a sloping surface used to raise heavy objects from a lower level to a higher level.
- _____________________ is made up of a circular or round frame that revolves on a shaft or rod.
- _____________________ is made up of two inclined planes placed back to back.
- _____________________ is an inclined plane wrapped in a cylindrical post.
- _____________________ uses wheels and a rope to raise, lower, or move a load easier.
What I Can Do
Directions: Cite at least five (5) activities at home using simple machines. Identify the simple machine/s used. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.
| Activities | Simple machine/s used |
|---|---|
Assessment
Directions: Analyze carefully the following questions. Write the letter of your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
When Mary cooks fried chicken, she uses tongs to remove the chicken from the pan. Which of the following simple machines do tongs belong?
- A. inclined plane
- B. lever
- C. pulley
- D. wheel and axle
Which simple machine should you use to slice the cake?
- A. ax
- B. blade
- C. knife
- D. scissors
The carpenter will put the hinges of the door. Which type of simple machine will the carpenter use?
- A. lever
- B. pulley
- C. inclined plane
- D. screw
Jamie uses a wheelbarrow to move the pile of garbage. Which type of simple machine is a wheelbarrow?
- A. inclined plane
- B. lever
- C. pulley
- D. wheel and axle
Which type of simple machine is an inclined plane with a spiral rib?
- A. lever
- B. pulley
- C. screw
- D. wheel and axle
Mark wanted to go sailing. Which of the following simple machines will be used in raising a sail of a boat?
- A. lever
- B. pulley
- C. wedge
- D. wheel and axle
The bottom part of a bulb is spiral. Which type of simple machine is it?
- A. inclined plane
- B. screw
- C. wedge
- D. wheel and axle
To control a car, one should use a wheel and axle. Which of the following is the right tool to use?
- A. breaks
- B. rolling pin
- C. steering wheel
- D. shift gear
Virgel wanted to load heavy boxes at the back of his truck. Which simple machine should Virgel use?
- A. pulley
- B. inclined plane
- C. stairs
- D. wheelbarrow
Which simple machine is a double inclined plane and has a sharp edge?
- A. pulley
- B. lever
- C. screw
- D. wedge
Additional Activities
Directions: Classify the following simple machines listed inside the box according to its type.
bolt bottle opener broom bulb doorknob flagpole ladder knife ax steering wheel
| Lever | Inclined Plane | Wedge | Screw | Pulley | Wheel and Axle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Answer Key
[transcriber’s note: this page is printed rotated 180 degrees; it is transcribed in upright reading order, one column after another]
Lesson 1: Characteristics and Uses of Simple Machines
What I Know
- D
- B
- A
- C
- A
- D
- D
- D
- C
- B
What’s In
- roll of cloth
- slicing an apple
- sweeping of waste
- cutting of nails
- collecting of garbage
What’s New
Activity 1: Simple Machines in Action
- with handle; to pull out
- flat and inclined; to connect a lower to higher level
- sharp; to cut
- spiral; to fasten
- round shape with rope; to raise load
What’s More
Activity 1.1 Describing Simple Machine
- B
- D
- A
- F
- C
- E
Activity 1.2 Identify Simple Machines
- pulley
- lever
- inclined plane
- wedge
- wheel and axle
- lever
- screw
- wedge
- wedge
- inclined plane
What I Have Learned
- Simple machines
- Lever
- Inclined plane
- Wheel and axle
- Wedge
- Screw
- Pulley
What I Can Do
Possible Answers:
- Sweeping – broom (lever)
- slicing vegetables – knife (wedge)
Assessment
- B
- C
- D
- B
- C
- B
- B
- C
- B
- D
Additional Activities
- Lever (bottle opener, broom)
- Inclined Plane (ladder)
- Wedge (ax, knife)
- Screw (bolt, bulb)
- Pulley (flagpole)
- Wheel and axle (steering wheel, doorknob)
References
Book: Belina, Natalia. (2005) Science and Health (Workbook) Grade 5. Mandaluyong City: Jedigar Enterprises. Page 111.
Tan, C. T. (2012) Science for Daily Use 5. Marikina City: JICA Enterprises. Pages 202-203.
Electronic Sources: DepEd Learning Portal, (2011). Living with Simple Machines ID Number 1506. DepEd Learning Portal, (2014). Simple Machines ID Number 6373. Beam 5 Unit 5 DLP40.
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:
Department of Education – Bureau of Learning Resources (DepEd-BLR)
Ground Floor, Bonifacio Bldg., DepEd Complex Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines 1600
Telefax: (632) 8634-1072; 8634-1054; 8631-4985
Email Address: blr.lrqad@deped.gov.ph * blr.lrpd@deped.gov.ph
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