Simple Machines Worksheets for Grade 3

Grade 3 Science 12 Printable Worksheets 100% FREE

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Simple machines are one of the most engaging physical science topics in Grade 3. Third graders learn that the six simple machines — lever, inclined plane, wedge, pulley, wheel and axle, and screw — make work easier by changing the direction or amount of force needed. Students discover these machines all around them: ramps on buildings, scissors in the classroom, flags on pulleys, and doorknobs as wheels and axles.

The most common stumbling block is mixing up the six machines and their everyday examples. Students often confuse levers with pulleys, call ramps wedges, or fail to recognize that a screw is an inclined plane wrapped around a rod. In earlier grades, students explored pushing and pulling forces; by Grade 4 and beyond, they will examine mechanical advantage and compound machines. Grade 3 builds the identification and vocabulary skills that make those later concepts accessible.

Our simple machines worksheets give third graders structured practice correcting machine identification errors, naming real-world examples, describing how each machine changes force, and reasoning about why longer ramps or different fulcrum positions make a task easier or harder.

Worksheet Preview

Browse all 12 printable worksheets below — click any card to open the full page.

Easy

Part A: Fix the Sentence

Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.

Part B: Fill in the Blank

Write the missing word or number on each line.

1. A simple machine makes work easier by changing the amount of

2. There are

3. A lever is a bar that turns on a fixed point called a

4. A

Part C: True or False?

Read each statement. Circle True or False.

1. A lever helps lift heavy objects by using a fulcrum.

T F

2. An inclined plane makes it harder to move objects to a higher place.

T F

3. A screw is a type of inclined plane wrapped around a rod.

T F

Simple Machines

Easy

Part A: Fix the Sentence

Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.

Part B: Fill in the Blank

Write the missing word or number on each line.

1. A

2. A wheel and

3. A wedge has a thin edge that is used to

4. Simple machines help people do work using less

Part C: True or False?

Read each statement. Circle True or False.

1. A wheel and axle help reduce friction when moving objects.

T F

2. A wedge is thick on both ends and thin in the middle.

T F

3. A pulley changes the direction of the force you apply.

T F

Simple Machines

Easy

Part A: Fix the Sentence

Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.

Part B: Fill in the Blank

Write the missing word or number on each line.

1. A

2. A longer ramp needs less

3. A bicycle wheel spins around a metal bar called an

4. A crowbar pries things open because it works as a

Part C: True or False?

Read each statement. Circle True or False.

1. A wedge has two slanted sides that meet at a sharp edge.

T F

2. A longer screw holds tighter than a shorter screw with the same width.

T F

3. A pulley can only push objects downward, never lift them up.

T F

Simple Machines

Easy

Part A: Fix the Sentence

Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.

Part B: Fill in the Blank

Write the missing word or number on each line.

1. A

2. When you use a simple machine, you trade less force for more

3. A shovel works as a

4. A skateboard ramp is an

Part C: True or False?

Read each statement. Circle True or False.

1. A faucet handle is a type of wheel and axle.

T F

2. Simple machines create extra energy to do work.

T F

3. A screw has threads that act like a tiny inclined plane.

T F

Simple Machines

Medium

Part A: Fill in the Blank

Write the missing word or number on each line.

1. A ramp is an example of an inclined

2. A

3. The fixed point on which a lever turns is called the

4. A screw is really an inclined plane wrapped in a

5. A knife blade is an example of a

6. A steering wheel is an example of a wheel and

7. Simple machines reduce the amount of

8. A wheelchair ramp makes it easier to move up by increasing the

9. A bottle cap is removed by turning, which uses a

Part B: Matching

Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.

1. Match each item to its correct answer.

Lever

→

Rope and wheel to lift loads

Inclined plane

→

Bar that turns on a fulcrum

Thin edge that splits things

Simple Machines

Medium

Part A: Fill in the Blank

Write the missing word or number on each line.

1. A seesaw at the playground is an example of a

2. A

3. An axe blade pushes wood apart because it is a

4. A jar lid works like a

5. A doorknob turns around an

6. Sliding a heavy box up a ramp uses an inclined

7. A crowbar helps pry open a lid by acting as a

8. Simple machines do not reduce the total work, but they reduce the

9. A nail is a type of

Part B: Matching

Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.

1. Match each item to its correct answer.

Wheel and axle

→

Ramp to a building entrance

Screw

→

Spiral inclined plane on a rod

Inclined plane

→

Seesaw on a playground

Lever

→

Doorknob that turns to open

Simple Machines

Medium

Part A: Fill in the Blank

Write the missing word or number on each line.

1. A hammer claw pulls nails out of wood by working as a

2. The threads on a bolt are shaped like an inclined plane wrapped in a

3. A pizza cutter uses a

4. A chisel is a

5. A crane at a construction site uses a

6. Loading a truck by pushing boxes up a ramp uses an inclined

7. When you move the fulcrum closer to the load, the lever needs less

8. A wood

9. Simple machines change the direction or amount of

Part B: Matching

Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.

1. Match each item to its correct answer.

Two levers joined together

Simple Machines

Medium

Part A: Fill in the Blank

Write the missing word or number on each line.

1. A skateboard ramp lets riders gain height by riding up an inclined

2. A paint-can opener pries the lid off by working as a

3. A corkscrew twists into a cork because it is shaped like a

4. A

5. The sharp blade of a hatchet pushes wood apart because it is a

6. A pencil sharpener turns a blade around a

7. Mechanical

8. An escalator is a moving inclined plane that carries people between

9. A teeter-totter balances when equal

Part B: Matching

Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.

1. Match each item to its correct answer.

Simple Machines

Part A: Multiple Choice

Circle the best answer for each question.

1. Which simple machine is a ramp an example of?

2. How does a pulley make work easier?

3. A screw is best described as which of the following?

4. Which pair of objects are both examples of a wedge?

Part B: Fill in the Blank

Write the correct answer on each line.

1. A lever needs a

2. A wheelbarrow combines a lever and a wheel and

3. Simple machines make work easier by reducing the

4. A zipper uses tiny

5. Moving a piano up a long ramp requires less force but more

Simple Machines

Hard

Part A: Multiple Choice

Circle the best answer for each question.

1. Why does using a longer ramp require less force to move a heavy box?

2. Which tool is an example of two levers working together?

3. A child sits far from the fulcrum on a seesaw. What happens?

4. Which simple machine would best help raise a bucket of water from a well?

Part B: Fill in the Blank

Write the correct answer on each line.

1. A screwdriver turns a screw by acting as a wheel and

2. A

3. The six simple machines are the lever, pulley, wheel and axle, inclined plane, wedge, and

4. Construction workers use

5. A bolt holds things together using spiral

Simple Machines

Hard

Part A: Multiple Choice

Circle the best answer for each question.

1. Which simple machine is found inside a pencil sharpener?

2. What advantage does a longer lever give you compared to a shorter one?

3. A doorstop keeps a door open. Which simple machine does it act as?

4. Why do screws with more threads per inch hold tighter?

Part B: Fill in the Blank

Write the correct answer on each line.

1. A can opener combines a wedge, a lever, and a wheel and

2. An escalator is a moving inclined

3. A longer ramp uses more

4. Blinds on a window go up and down by pulling a cord attached to a

5. Mechanical advantage tells you how many times a machine

Simple Machines

Hard

Part A: Multiple Choice

Circle the best answer for each question.

1. A bicycle uses several simple machines. Which one does the pedal and gear system act as?

2. Two pulleys used together let you lift a heavy load with even less force. What is this setup called?

3. Which statement about work is correct?

4. A road that winds around a mountain instead of going straight up is an example of which simple machine?

Part B: Fill in the Blank

Write the correct answer on each line.

1. A machine made of two or more simple machines working together is called a

2. A pair of pliers combines two

3. Turning a large steering wheel requires less

4. A shovel uses a wedge to cut into soil and a

5. The trade-off with simple machines is less force but greater

Simple Machines

What's Included in This Download

12 Printable Pages covering simple machines

Complete Answer Key for easy grading

Printer-Friendly Format in black & white

Variety of Activities to keep kids engaged

Common Core Aligned grade 3 standards

Instant PDF Download - no signup required

What You'll Learn

These simple machines worksheets help grade 3 students develop essential science skills through engaging activities.

Learning Objectives

Six Simple Machines: Lever, pulley, wheel and axle, inclined plane, wedge, screw
Make Work Easier: Reduce force
Real-World Examples
Force and Motion
Compound Machines

Skills Covered

Simple MachinesLeverPulleyInclined PlaneWedgeScrewGrade 3 Science

How to Use These Worksheets

Download & Print: Click the download button to get the PDF. Print on standard 8.5" x 11" paper.
Start Simple: Begin with easier pages before moving to more challenging activities.
Daily Practice: Dedicate 10-15 minutes each day for consistent learning.
Use Manipulatives: Pair worksheets with physical objects like blocks or counters.
Provide Encouragement: Celebrate progress and effort to build confidence.
Check Progress: Use the included answer key to review work together.

Common Mistakes to Watch For

Confusing ramps (inclined planes) with wedges — both are sloping surfaces, but an inclined plane is a flat ramp for moving objects, while a wedge is thick on one end and thin on the other, designed to split or separate materials.
Thinking a pulley only lifts objects straight up — students sometimes do not recognize that a pulley also changes the direction of a force, allowing someone to pull down on a rope to lift an object up, which can be more convenient even without reducing force.
Missing everyday examples of the wheel and axle — students recognize wheels on vehicles but often do not identify doorknobs, screwdrivers, and pencil sharpeners as wheel-and-axle machines, even though the rotating handle and the central rod follow the same principle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the six simple machines?

The six simple machines are the lever, inclined plane, wedge, pulley, wheel and axle, and screw. Each one changes the force or direction needed to do work, making tasks easier. Many tools and devices we use every day combine two or more simple machines into what engineers call compound machines.

How does a lever work?

A lever is a rigid bar that rests on a fixed point called the fulcrum. Pushing down on one end lifts a load on the other end. The farther the force is applied from the fulcrum, the less force is needed to lift the load. Seesaws, scissors, and bottle openers are all examples of levers in everyday life.

How is a screw related to an inclined plane?

A screw is essentially an inclined plane (a ramp) wrapped in a spiral around a central rod. As you turn the screw, the spiral threads bite into the material and convert rotational force into forward movement. This is why turning a screw into wood takes less direct force than pushing a nail straight in — the inclined plane shape multiplies the effort.

Why does a longer ramp make it easier to push a heavy object?

A longer ramp spreads the work over a greater distance, which means you need less force at any one moment to move the object to the same height. The total work done is the same, but a longer inclined plane reduces the force required at each step. This is the core trade-off of all simple machines: you might move more slowly or over a greater distance, but you use less effort.

What is the difference between a pulley and a wheel and axle?

Both use a round, rotating part, but they work differently. A pulley has a grooved wheel and a rope — pulling the rope moves the load up or changes the direction of the force. A wheel and axle combines a large wheel attached to a smaller rod (the axle), so turning the large wheel moves the axle with more force. Doorknobs, steering wheels, and ferris wheels are wheel-and-axle machines.

Are these worksheets really free?

Yes! All our worksheets are 100% free to download and print. There's no subscription, no hidden fees, and no registration required.

Can I use these in my classroom?

Absolutely! Teachers are welcome to print and use these worksheets in their classrooms. Make as many copies as needed for your students.

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Simple Machines Worksheets for Grade 3

Worksheet Preview

What's Included in This Download

What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

Skills Covered

How to Use These Worksheets

Common Mistakes to Watch For

Frequently Asked Questions

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Worksheet Preview

What's Included in This Download

What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

Skills Covered

How to Use These Worksheets

Common Mistakes to Watch For

Frequently Asked Questions

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