Simple Machines: Wheels and Axles

Ages 6–9 · 11 minutes · Science

Roll out! Don't let friction stop the fun of a downhill race!

Wheels and axles are so familiar that we don't often appreciate just how incredible they are. Students will explore the role of friction in moving objects and how wheels are just one approach to overcoming friction. They will also consider examples unrelated to transportation, like pottery wheels, screwdrivers and more.

No specific background required.

Part of

Standards alignment

Common Core State Standards

K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
When objects touch or collide, they push on one another and can change motion.
The shape and stability of structures of natural and designed objects are related to their function(s).
K-2-ETS1-3 — Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.

Alabama

SC23.3.1 — Conduct investigations to explain the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces exerted on an object, varying the size, number, and direction of the forces.
SC23.K.1 — Plan and carry out investigations to determine the effects of forces of different strengths and directions on the motion of an object, including speed, direction, and distance traveled.

Alaska

Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
The shape and stability of structures of natural and designed objects are related to their function(s).
K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
Describe how specific images (e.g., a diagram showing how a machine works) support a scientific or engineering idea.

Arizona

1.P4U2.4 — Design and evaluate ways to increase or reduce heat from friction between two objects.
Relative scales allow objects and events to be compared and described (e.g., bigger and smaller; hotter and colder; faster and slower).
Systems in the natural and designed world have parts that work together.
Use tools and materials provided to design a device or solution to a specific problem.
Define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.

Arkansas

1-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
1-ETS1-2 — Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.
Objects in contact exert forces on each other.

California

Objects in contact exert forces on each other.
3-5-ETS1-2 — Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.

Colorado

PS2.B — Types of Interactions: Objects in contact exert forces on each other.
Define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
PS2.A — Forces and Motion: Each force acts on one particular object and has both strength and a direction. An object at rest typically has multiple forces acting on it, but they add to give zero net force on the object. Forces that do not sum to zero can cause changes in the object’s speed or direction of motion. (Boundary: Qualitative and conceptual, but not quantitative addition of forces is used at this level). The patterns of an object’s motion in various situations can be observed and measured; when that past motion exhibits a regular pattern, future motion can be predicted from it. (Boundary: Technical terms, such as magnitude, velocity, momentum and vector quantity, are not introduced at this level, but the concept that some quantities need both size and direction to be described is developed.)
SC.3.1.2 — Objects in contact exert forces on each other; electric and magnetic forces between a pair of objects do not require contact.
SC.3.1.1.a — Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object.

Connecticut

K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
The shape and stability of structures of natural and designed objects are related to their function(s).
3-5-ETS1-2 — Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

Delaware

Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
Objects in contact exert forces on each other.
3-5-ETS1-2 — Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
Use tools and/or materials to design and/or build a device that solves a specific problem or a solution to a specific problem.

Florida

SC.2.P.13.1 — Investigate the effect of applying various pushes and pulls on different objects.
SC.1.P.12.1 — Demonstrate and describe the various ways that objects can move, such as in a straight line, zigzag, back-and-forth, round-and-round, fast, and slow.
SC.3.P.11.2 — Investigate, observe, and explain that heat is produced when one object rubs against another, such as rubbing one's hands together.

Georgia

S4P3.c — Ask questions to identify and explain the uses of simple machines (lever, pulley, wedge, inclined plane, wheel and axle, and screw) and how forces are changed when simple machines are used to complete tasks.
S2P2.b — Design a device to change the speed or direction of an object.

Hawaii

K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
Use tools and/or materials to design and/or build a device that solves a specific problem or a solution to a specific problem.
Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
3-5-ETS1-2 — Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

Idaho

Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it. (K-PS-1.1, K-PS-1.2)
A situation that people want to change or create can be approached as a problem to be solved through engineering. Such problems may have many acceptable solutions. (K-PS-1.2)
Because there is always more than one possible solution to a problem, it is useful to compare and test designs. (2-ESS-2.1)
K-PS-1.2 — Students who demonstrate understanding can: With guidance and support, analyze data to determine if a design solution works as intended to change the motion of an object with a push or a pull.
Different properties are suited to different purposes. (2-PS-1.2, 2-PS-1.3)

Illinois

ETS1.C-P1 — Because there is always more than one possible solution to a problem, it is useful to compare and test designs. (secondary to 2-ESS2-1)
K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
PS2.A-P1 — Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions.
PS2.B-E1 — Objects in contact exert forces on each other.

Indiana

3.PS.2 — Identify types of simple machines and their uses. Investigate and build simple machines to understand how they are used.
3-5.E.1 — Identify a simple problem with the design of an object that reflects a need or a want. Include criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.
4.PS.1 — Investigate transportation systems and devices that operate on or in land, water, air and space and recognize the forces (lift, drag, friction, thrust and gravity) that affect their motion.

Iowa

K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
K-2-ETS1-3 — Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.

Kansas

K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
Objects in contact exert forces on each other.
3-5-ETS1-2 — Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
The shape and stability of structures of natural and designed objects are related to their function(s).

Kentucky

When objects touch or collide, they push on one another and can change motion.
The shape and stability of structures of natural and designed objects are related to their function(s).
Generate and/or compare multiple solutions to a problem.
K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.

Louisiana

K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
Generate and/or compare multiple solutions to a problem.
Use tools and/or materials to design and/or build a device that solves a specific problem or a solution to a specific problem.
Systems in the natural and designed world have parts that work together.
The shape and stability of structures of natural and designed objects are related to their function(s).

Maine

K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
The shape and stability of structures of natural and designed objects are related to their function(s).
Systems in the natural and designed world have parts that work together.

Maryland

K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
3-5-ETS1-2 — Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
CCC.6.K-2.1 — The shape and stability of structures of natural and designed objects are related to their function(s).
DCI.PS2.B.K-2.1 — When objects touch or collide, they push on one another and can change motion.
SEP.8.K-2.2 — Describe how specific images (e.g., a diagram showing how a machine works) support a scientific or engineering idea.

Massachusetts

2-PS3-1(MA) — Design and conduct an experiment to show the effects of friction on the relative temperature and speed of objects that rub against each other.
1.K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change that can be solved by developing or improving an object or tool.*

Michigan

3-PS2-1 — Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object.
K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Minnesota

0P.4.1.1.1 — Construct an argument supported by evidence for whether a design solution works as intended to change the speed or direction of an object with a push or a pull.* (P: 7, CC: 2, CI: PS2, ETS1)
3.2.2 — Students will be able to use their understanding of scientific principles and the engineering design process to design solutions that meet established criteria and constraints.*
2P.1.1.1.1 — Ask questions about an object’s motion based on observation that can be answered by an investigation. (P: 1, CC: 1, CI: PS2)

Mississippi

P.2.6.2 — Generate and answer questions about the relationship between (1) friction and the motion of objects and (2) friction and the production of heat.
P.2.6.3 — Develop a plan to change the force (push or pull) of friction to solve a human problem (e.g., improve the ride on a playground slide or make a toy car or truck go faster). Use an engineering design process to define the problem, design, construct, evaluate, and improve the plan.*
Construct Explanations (science) and Design Solutions (engineering)

Missouri

4.PS3.C.1 — Use models to explain that simple machines change the amount of effort force and/or direction of force.
Objects in contact exert forces on each other.
Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
K.PS2.A.2 — Describe ways to change the motion of an object (i.e., how to cause an object to go slower, go faster, go farther, change direction, stop).
Make predictions about what would happen if a variable changes.

Montana

constructing explanations as it applies to science and designing solutions as it applies to engineering
3-PS2-1 — plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object;
K-PS2-2 — analyze data to determine whether a design solution works as intended to change the speed or direction of an object with a push or a pull;

Nebraska

Apply scientific ideas to solve design problems.
Objects in contact exert forces on each other.
SC.3.1.1 — Gather, analyze, and communicate evidence of forces and their interactions.
SC.3.7.2.E — Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

Nevada

K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
Objects in contact exert forces on each other.
Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
3-5-ETS1-2 — Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

New Hampshire

Objects in contact exert forces on each other.
Apply scientific ideas to solve design problems.
Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.

New Jersey

Use tools and/or materials to design and/or build a device that solves a specific problem or a solution to a specific problem.
Generate and/or compare multiple solutions to a problem.
Objects in contact exert forces on each other.
K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
Apply scientific ideas to solve design problems.

New Mexico

Use tools and/or materials to design and/or build a device that solves a specific problem or a solution to a specific problem.
Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
When objects touch or collide, they push on one another and can change motion.
The shape and stability of structures of natural and designed objects are related to their function(s).

New York

Objects in contact exert forces on each other.
Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
Use tools and/or materials to design and/or build a device that solves a specific problem or a solution to a specific problem.
K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
Make predictions about what would happen if a variable changes.

North Carolina

PS.3.2 — Understand motion and factors that affect motion.
PS.3.2.1 — Carry out investigations to infer changes in speed or direction resulting from forces acting on an object.
PS.5.2.1 — Carry out investigations to explain how factors such as gravity, friction, and change in mass affect the motion of objects.

North Dakota

Because there is always more than one possible solution to a problem, it is useful to compare and test designs.
A situation that people want to change or create can be approached as a problem to be solved through engineering.
K-2-ET1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information to define a simple problem (a situation people want to change) that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
Objects in contact exert forces on each other.

Ohio

2.PS.1 — Forces change the motion of an object.
1.PS.2 — Objects can be moved in a variety of ways, such as straight, zigzag, circular and back and forth.
2.3 — Science and technology have changed daily life.

Oklahoma

Define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
Objects in contact exert forces on each other. (3.PS2.1)
Generate and/or compare multiple solutions to a problem.
Because there is always more than one possible solution to a problem, it is useful to compare and test designs. (2.ESS2.1)
Scientific discoveries about the natural world can often lead to new and improved technologies, which are developed through the engineering design process. (3.PS2.4)

Oregon

2.ETS1.1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool. [Clarification Statement: Identifying a problem or need is necessary before designing a solution. For example, students can describe desired features or tools to solve a simple problem.][assessment boundary: assessment does not include information regarding constraints (restraints or limitations).]
3.ETS1.2 — Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on researching a problem prior to designing a solution, plan for testing to evaluate how well it will perform under a range of likely conditions using scientific knowledge and communicating the design process.][assessment boundary: assessment is limited to the design process and modeling.]
3.PS2.1 — Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object. [Clarification Statement: Examples could include an unbalanced force on one side of a ball can make it start moving; and, balanced forces pushing on a box from both sides will not produce any motion at all.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment is limited to one variable at a time: number, size, or direction of forces. Assessment does not include quantitative force size, only qualitative and relative. Assessment is limited to gravity being addressed as a force that pulls objects down.]

Pennsylvania

3.5.K-2.G — Explain the tools and techniques that people use to help them do things.
3.5.K-2.M — Demonstrate essential skills of the engineering design process.
3.5.K-2.Z — Illustrate how systems have parts or components that work together to accomplish a goal.
Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.

Rhode Island

The shape and stability of structures of natural and designed objects are related to their function(s).
Use tools and/or materials to design and/or build a device that solves a specific problem or a solution to a specific problem.
Define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.

South Carolina

3-PS2-1.DCI.A: — Forces and Motion Each force acts on one particular object and has both strength and a direction. An object at rest typically has multiple forces acting on it, but they add to give zero net force on the object. Forces that do not sum to zero can cause changes in the object’s speed or direction of motion. NRC Framework Link
K-PS2-2.ETS1.A: — Defining and Delimiting an Engineering Problem A situation that people want to change or create can be approached as a problem to be solved through engineering. Such problems may have many acceptable solutions. NRC Framework Link

South Dakota

K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
Approaching change as a problem that is solvable through engineering: asking questions, gathering information, and determining solutions.
K-2-ETS1-2 — Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.
The shape and stability of structures of natural and designed objects are related to their function(s).

Tennessee

2.PS3.2 — Make observations and conduct experiments to provide evidence that friction produces heat and reduces or increases the motion of an object.
Constructing explanations and designing solutions to explain phenomena or solve problems.
2.ETS1.1 — Define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool by asking questions, making observations, and gather accurate information about a situation people want to change.

Texas

2.1B — use scientific practices to plan and conduct simple descriptive investigations and use engineering practices to design solutions to problems;
2.6C — trace and compare patterns of movement of objects such as sliding, rolling, and spinning over time.
3.7A — demonstrate and describe forces acting on an object in contact or at a distance, including magnetism, gravity, and pushes and pulls; and
1.7A — explain how pushes and pulls can start, stop, or change the speed or direction of an object's motion; and

Utah

3.3.1 — Plan and carry out investigations that provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object. Emphasize investigations where only one variable is tested at a time. Examples could include an unbalanced force on one side of a ball causing it to move and balanced forces pushing on a box from both sides producing no movement. (PS2.A, PS2.B)
K.3.2 — Analyze data to determine how a design solution causes a change in the speed or direction of an object with a push or a pull. Define the problem by asking questions and gathering information, convey designs through sketches, drawings, or physical models, and compare and test designs. Examples of problems requiring a solution could include having a marble or other object move a certain distance, follow a particular path, or knock down other objects. (PS2.A, PS2.B, PS2.C, PS3.C, ETS1.A, ETS1.B, ETS1.C)
2.3.2 — Construct an explanation showing how the properties of materials influence their intended use and function. Examples could include using wood as a building material because it is lightweight and strong or the use of concrete, steel, or cotton due to their unique properties. (PS1.A)

Vermont

Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
The shape and stability of structures of natural and designed objects are related to their function(s).
K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
Use tools and/or materials to design and/or build a device that solves a specific problem or a solution to a specific problem.

Virginia

3.2.c — Simple machines increase or change the direction of a force.
3.2.d — Simple and compound machines have many applications.
3.1.d.iii — Describe how scientific ideas apply to design solutions.
5.3.e — Friction is a force that opposes motion.

Washington

K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
K-2-ETS1-2 — Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.
Describe how specific images (e.g., a diagram showing how a machine works) support a scientific or engineering idea.

Washington, D.C.

K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
Use tools and/or materials to design and/or build a device that solves a specific problem or a solution to a specific problem.
Describe how specific images (e.g., a diagram showing how a machine works) support a scientific or engineering idea.

West Virginia

Investigating and explaining cause and effect
Determining the relationships between structure and function
S.1.10 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
S.3.1 — Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object.

Wisconsin

Students use evidence and ideas in designing solutions. This includes the following: Use tools and materials to design and/or build a device that solves a specific problem or a solution to a specific problem. Generate and compare multiple solutions to a problem.
A situation that people want to change or create can be approached as a problem to be solved through engineering. Asking questions, making observations, and gathering information are helpful in thinking about problems. Before beginning to design a solution, it is important to clearly understand the problem.
Students define simple problems that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
SCI.1.PS.2.A — Forces and Motion

Wyoming

Use tools and/or materials to design and/or build a device that solves a specific problem or a solution to a specific problem.
Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions, and can change the speed or direction of its motion or start or stop it.
K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
SS2.4.2 — Identify tools and technologies, including those of Indigenous Tribes of Wyoming, that made or make life easier and sustainable (e.g., cars for getting one place to another, washing machines for washing clothes, flashlights to see in the dark, and usage of bison and natural resources). 2.MD.7 – 8 K-2-ETS1-1 – ETS1-3