Simple machines make work easier. As the fourth graders build and test out various types of simple machines, they are exploring how these machines make work easier. One of the experiments they conducted was to see how friction plays a role in moving objects. Students are learning how to measure effort by using a spring scale. This experiment had the students observing how different surfaces (sandpaper, table top, and oiled table top) make pulling an object easier or harder. Can you guess which surface would be the hardest? Can you guess which surface would be the easiest? If you can’t guess, ask any fourth grader.
