Impressive Inclined Planes

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

Tools are things that people use to perform specific jobs.

Simple machines are tools that are used to make a difficult task, such as moving a heavy object, easier. Simple machines can operate without a computer or electricity.

Inclined planes are simple machines that make moving things from one place to another easier and require less energy or force.

For example, if you were in a wheelchair and needed to go upstairs, an inclined plane would make it easier for you to do that.

• Can you think of another inclined plane you may have used before?

Here's a hint: it is found on a playground and a water park.

• Did you guess a slide?

Great job! A slide is another example of an inclined plane.

Inclined planes can be used as a simple machine, but they can also be used for entertainment and fun, too!

• Have you ever skateboarded or seen anyone skateboard before?

Watch another video below on the world's largest skateboarding ramp.

WOW! Now that's quite an inclined plane!

Inclined planes move heavy objects from one place to another. For example, a ramp can be used to push a heavy case up to a stage.

Inclined planes are also used for different reasons.

For example, most houses have slanted roofs so that rain and snow will slide off and not damage the roof with unwanted moisture. This is another example of an inclined plane.

An inclined plane is anything that has an angle on it, and you can see a triangle if you look at it from the side. Inclined planes can be found in nature as well!

Take a look at this picture of a large hill.

• Do you see the inclined plane?

Thinking of an inclined plane as a triangle from the side helps us understand what else in our world is an inclined plane.

• What about a staircase?
• Do you see the triangle in the next picture?

For more information about how inclined planes are used in everyday life, check out this video below.

Think about how inclined planes make your life easier.

Now that you have seen many examples of inclined planes, it is time to put that knowledge to work in the Got It? section!