COMING UP: A Lot of Simple Machine Pictures for Such a Simple Person

The Challenge Czar came up with a pretty tricky challenge for the first part of this month. I had to consult Google to clarify the definition of “simple machine.” The first thing I learned was that Rich didn’t just make up the term. I should never have suspected otherwise. The second thing I learned was the confirmation of a long-held belief that I really and truly do not have a brain designed for concepts that involve physics and mechanics. The third thing I learned was that, if you break it down to the basics of screw, lever, wedge, wheel & axle, pulley, and inclined plane, it isn’t really all that complicated.

Armed with that knowledge, I ventured out in search of all things SIMPLE and MACHINE-LIKE.

**The first thing I saw was an INCLINED PLANE. Being that it led into the side entrance of a former funeral home, it must have made it easier to wheel caskets in and out of the doors.**

**Some very large SCREWS. They are part of what holds the Highway 61 bridge up over the Mississippi River.**

**I’m not sure if this hose reel is a PULLEY or a WHEEL & AXLE.**

**This is definitely a PULLEY on the boat trailer. Further back, the WHEELS & AXLE are a bonus.**

**HINGES on a bench swing. One of the things I learned in my research is that hinges are a form of LEVER.**

Another thing I learned from my research is that swivels are a form of SCREW. For demonstration purposes, I filmed a very enjoyable movie about a swivel. I’m sure you will like my documentary almost as much as I do.