Oars are levers!
The shanteyman will demonstrate a couple of the simple machines including the pulley (block-and-tackle) and lever. We will identify and discuss the examples of simple machines in your school such as ramps, levers, wheels-and-axles and screws.
Sailors relied on the mechanical advantage provided by simple machines. The six simple machines include:
- Wheel-and-axle
- Screw
- Pulley
- Inclined plane
- Wedge
- Lever
Ramps are inclined planes!
Pulleys make it easier to pick up heavy things using a rope.
Wedges are used to split material or widen pegs and pins.
A capstan is an example of the wheel-and-axle.
An auger is a screw that bores into wood.
