A lever helps move heavy objects. When you push down on one side of a lever, the other side goes up. Levers can also be used to lift heavy objects such as a rock or furniture. A seesaw, pliers, hammer and screwdriver are examples of a lever.

A pulley can move things from a low area to a higher one. A pulley has a wheel that allows you to change the direction of a force. As you pull down on the rope, the wheel turns and whatever is attached to the other end goes up. Some examples of a pulley are flag pole, window blinds and crane.

An inclined plane has a sloped surface and can help you to move heavy objects upwards. It is easier to move heavy things up a ramp than it is to lift them straight up. A ramp is a common example of an inclined plane. It takes longer to go up one, but it is easier.

A screw is like an inclined plane wrapped around a center rod. They can be used to lift things or hold things together tighter. An example of a screw is a spiral staircase.

A wedge is actually 2 inclined planes attached back to back. Wedges are used to split material such as a log. By placing the thin end of the wedge into a log, you can hit it with a hammer. The wedge changes the direction of the force and it pushes the log apart. Some examples of a wedge are knife, axe and chisel.

The wheel and axle has a wheel with a rod (axle) attached to its center. In some cases sit works as a lever by multiplying force such as a doorknob. In other cases it is used to move objects easier such as the wheel on a bicycle.