- View more resources from this publisherLondon Curriculum
Tooltip
These resources have been reviewed and selected by STEM Learning’s team of education specialists for factual accuracy and relevance to teaching STEM subjects in UK schools.
The machines of the working river
If a large force is needed, a simple machine can be used to convert a small force into a large force but requires that the small force move a larger distance and the large force a correspondingly smaller distance. The amount by which the small force is multiplied is known as the mechanical advantage. This principle can be seen in action in many contexts along the banks of the working river.
Learning outcomes
- Students could: give examples of simple machines used in reverse to increase displacement or speed.
- Students should: relate the input and output forces and displacements together to show that the product of force and displacement are unchanged (conservation of energy).
- Students must: recognise common uses of different types of simple machines.
This resource is part of a full set of lessons looking at the Thames as a working river found here.
Show health and safety information
Please be aware that resources have been published on the website in the form that they were originally supplied. This means that procedures reflect general practice and standards applicable at the time resources were produced and cannot be assumed to be acceptable today. Website users are fully responsible for ensuring that any activity, including practical work, which they carry out is in accordance with current regulations related to health and safety and that an appropriate risk assessment has been carried out.
Downloads
Show downloads
-
The machines of the working river 82.06 KB
Information on the permitted use of this resource is covered by the Category Three Content section in STEM Learning’s Terms and conditions.
