Levers

What is a Lever?

A lever changes an input movement and force into an output movement and force.

The Load is the object to be moved.
The Effort is the force applied to move the load.
A lever moves around a fixed point called a Pivot or Fulcrum.

1st Class Lever

A first-order lever has the fulcrum between the effort and the load.

2nd Class lever

A second-order lever has the load and effort on the same side of the fulcrum.

3rd class Lever

The load is further from the fulcrum, so the effort required is greater than the load.

example of 1st class

Example of 2nd Class

Example of 3rd Class

Levers Task:

Can you make your own catapult?

Work in pairs using equipment from your pencil case to create your own mini catapult.

Take a photograph of your catapult.
Add it to your portfolio on the levers task page.
label your picture to show where the key parts of the lever are. (Effort, Load, Fulcrum)
Label the class of lever.

EXTRA: Draw your own version of this mini catapult. How could you make it more powerful? what other equipment could you use?

pencilcase catapult .mp4

instructions:

This video shows you the key stages of assembling your catapult.

Search through your pencil case and collect some elastic band.
Secure the spoon to one of the pens.
Create your fulcrum by securing 2 of the pens together.
Sandwich a third pen, long ways or horizontal in between the 2 fixed pens.
Stabilise the catapult with 2 pens, either side. secure these and then test.

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