Simple Machines: Levers, Ramps and Wheels — Answers
Answer sheet with model answers and success criteria for the Year 4 forces & motion worksheet.
Success TutoringWorksheetsAnswer sheetYear 4 · Science · Forces & MotionSimple Machines: Levers, Ramps and Wheels — Answers
Part A: Machines that make work easier
Read the passage. Then circle the best answer.
A simple machine is a tool with few or no moving parts that makes work easier. It can let us use a smaller force, or change the direction of a force.
A lever is a bar that turns around a fixed point called the fulcrum. You push on one part (the effort) to move something on another part (the load). Seesaws, crowbars and bottle openers are levers. The further from the fulcrum you push, the less force you need.
A ramp (inclined plane) lets you lift something using a smaller force by moving it a longer distance. A wheel and axle is a wheel joined to a rod, like a doorknob or a steering wheel. A pulley is a wheel with a rope around it. It can change the direction of a pull, like on a flagpole.
Simple machines do not make work disappear. When you use less force, you usually have to move further.
- Athe load
- Bthe fulcrum
- Cthe effort
- Dthe axle
Answer: the fulcrum
A lever turns around a fixed point called the fulcrum.
- Aa seesaw
- Ba flagpole rope
- Ca slide
- Da doorknob
Answer: a seesaw
A seesaw is a long bar that turns on a fulcrum in the middle.
- Athe box gets lighter
- Byou can use a smaller push over a longer distance
- Cgravity stops working
- Dit removes friction
Answer: you can use a smaller push over a longer distance
A ramp lets you use less force, but you have to push it further.
- Athe colour of the flag
- Bthe direction of the force
- Cthe weight of the flag
- Dthe height of the pole
Answer: the direction of the force
A single fixed pulley changes the direction of the force.
- Ascissors
- Ba ramp
- Ca doorknob
- Da seesaw
Answer: a doorknob
A doorknob (wheel) turns a rod (axle). Turning the big knob makes turning the small rod easier.
Part B: Name the machine
- a wheelchair ramp
- a crowbar
- a steering wheel
- raising a bucket from a well
- wheel and axle
- pulley
- inclined plane
- lever
Answer: a wheelchair ramp → inclined plane; a crowbar → lever; a steering wheel → wheel and axle; raising a bucket from a well → pulley
Answer: fulcrum
Answer: direction
Answer: The ramp lets you use a smaller force spread over a longer distance, so each push is easier.
Part C: True or false?
Write True or False.
Answer: True
That is one of the main ways simple machines help.
Answer: False
With a ramp, the load moves a longer distance, but with less force.
Answer: True
A longer distance from the fulcrum gives more turning effect for the same push.
Answer: False
They make work easier, but you still have to do work.
Part D: Working scientifically: ramp lengths
A newton is the unit we use to measure force.
Mei used a spring scale to pull a toy truck up ramps of different lengths to the same height (a pile of books).
40 cm ramp: 6 newtons. 80 cm ramp: 3 newtons. 120 cm ramp: 2 newtons.
Answer: The 120 cm ramp (2 newtons).
Model answer: The longer and gentler the ramp, the smaller the force needed to pull the truck up. A longer ramp spreads the work over a longer distance, so less force is needed at each moment.
Success criteria:
- States the pattern (longer ramp, smaller force)
- Explains using force and distance
Marking tips
- Give credit for correct method even when the final answer slips — the working shows where the thinking went right.
- For open-ended tasks, use the success criteria as a checklist rather than looking for one "right" answer.
- Celebrate what went well first, then pick one thing to work on next.