Set up stations or give students a collection of levers to try. If time is short make it a 5 minute demonstration of different levers.
Younger students can find the fulcrum and lever arms in each case.
For younger students, optionally number the levers and have a stamp card for students to punch at each station (see photo).
Older students can classify the levers into class 1, 2 and 3, depending on the position of the fulcrum and where on the lever arm the force is applied.
For older students, optionally use worksheets to record what class of lever, or the location of the fulcrum and the forces, in each lever (see attachment).
Class 1 levers:
The fulcrum is in the middle of one (or two) rigid rods. The force in is at one end of the rod and the force out is at the other end.
Scissors cutting paper
Claw hammer removing nails from wood
Hole punch
Clothes peg
Tongs (that open and close like scissors)
Can opener (look closely to see where the rivet and cutter are placed)
Class 2 levers:
The fulcrum is at one end of the lever arm(s). The force in is at the other end of the lever arm(s). The force out is in the middle of the lever.
Nutcracker and nuts
Garlic press
(Wheelbarrow - purple arrows)
Pop (or beer) bottle opener (harder as fulcrum and force out are close together)
Car door
Class 3 levers:
The fulcrum is at one end. The force in is in the middle. The force out is at the other end, and the ends move further with less force.
Stapler
Tweezers
Tongs (with the hinge at one end)
Chopsticks
Stapler remover
Shovel
Broom
Fishing rod
With more space and/or outdoors, add tools from the garden/woodshop:
broom (class 3), wheelbarrow (class 2), shovel (class 1), rake (class 3), crowbar (class 1), wrench (class 1), hedge clippers (class 1)
A see saw is a class 1 lever. Hockey sticks, baseball bats and many other sport equipment are class 3.
One end of the lever moves over a greater distance but with less force, while the other end of the lever moves less far, but with a greater force. Class 1 and 2 levers, we generally move the "force in" (or Effort) end of the lever over a larger distance, but little force is required, while at the other end of the lever ("force out" or Load end), it does not move so far but with a lot of force - enough force to punch a hole or crack a nut.
Class 3 levers, we generally move the "force in"/Effort end of the lever less far but with a greater force, while the other end moves further but with little force, so allowing controlled, fine movements to pick up materials.
