Lesson: Force/Motion/Simple Machines (Wheelbarrow)

Grade: 4th

Makerspace: K’NEX

OBJECTIVES

Students will:

1. Identify the fulcrum, resistance, and effort on a wheelbarrow.

2. Build a wheelbarrow.

3. Demonstrate how the wheelbarrow functions as a 2nd Class lever.

KEY TERMS and DEFINITIONS

Simple Machine: A tool that makes work easier to do. Most simple machines have only one moving part. Leavers are simple
machines.

Lever: A beam, bar, or rod that pivots or turns on a fixed point.

Fulcrum: A fixed point is a point that doesn’t move.

Work: The use of force to move an object over distance.

Force: Any kind of push or pull applied to an object.

Effort: The force that is applied to move one part of a simple machine.

Resistance: The force used by the object (load) upon which one is trying to do work; it works against the effort.
INTRODUCTION

What could you use to move a load across the yard? ________________________________________________

A wheelbarrow could be used to move a load across the yard. It is a lever but, because the wheelbarrow has a wheel, it not only
lifts a heavy load but it can make transporting that load easier. The wheel on the front reduces friction with the ground.

Task

 Build the WHEELBARROW model on the following pages. Group 1 will build Steps 1-2 and Group 2 will build Steps 3-4. The
parts should then be assembled as shown to form the completed wheelbarrow.
 Line the tray of the K’NEX wheelbarrow with aluminum foil.
 Fill the tray with paper clips or pennies.
 Use the wheelbarrow to lift, move, and dump the load.
o Make sure that you dump the load over the front of the wheelbarrow, not the side.
 Closing

 What did you notice about moving the pile of material with the wheelbarrow?

 Imagine that you have to provide someone who has never used a wheelbarrow with precise instructions for its use. On the
lines provided, record step-by-step what they need to do.

o ______________________________________________________________________________

o ______________________________________________________________________________

o ______________________________________________________________________________

o ______________________________________________________________________________

o ______________________________________________________________________________

 Your hands on the handle give the __________.

 The load inside the wheelbarrow is the __________.
 The wheel is the __________.
 When you lift up the handles, the load goes up in the same direction. The wheelbarrow always uses less __________ to
lift the load, which makes work easier.
 Closing

 What did you notice about moving the pile of material with the wheelbarrow?
o It is easier to move a loose pile in the wheelbarrow because it is collected in one place and all you have to do is lift
the handle to move it.
 Imagine that you have to provide someone who has never used a wheelbarrow with precise instructions for its use. On the
lines provided, record step-by-step what they need to do.
o Place objects in the wheelbarrow.
o Apply effort to lift the handles so that the wheelbarrow pivots on the wheel.
 This lifts the load at the same time.
o Apply effort to push the wheelbarrow forward.
 The wheel helps overcome friction as the wheelbarrow travels over the ground.
o Apply more effort to raise the handles higher to dump out the load.
o Lower the handles of the wheel barrow so the supports rest on the ground.
 Your hands on the handle give the effort.
 The load inside the wheelbarrow is the resistance.
 The wheel is the fulcrum.
 When you lift up the handles, the load goes up in the same direction. The wheelbarrow always uses less force to lift the
load, which makes work easier.