Levers – Class 6
Activity-based teaching plan with 5E model, a colourful Rainbow Mind Map and quick quiz..
Learning Objectives
- Identify fulcrum, effort, and load in everyday tools.
- Classify real-life examples into Class I, Class II, and Class III levers.
- Understand that Mechanical Advantage (MA) ≈ Load/Effort (idea only, no heavy maths).
- Use the memory trick F‑L‑E (which part is in the middle) to spot the class of a lever.
Tip: Say aloud — “1‑F, 2‑L, 3‑E” → In Class 1 the Fulcrum is in the middle; in Class 2 the Load is in the middle; in Class 3 the Effort is in the middle.
Key Terms
Fulcrum The fixed point about which a lever turns.
Effort The force you apply to make the lever work.
Load The object you want to move or lift.
Effort Arm Distance from effort to fulcrum.
Load Arm Distance from load to fulcrum.
Why use a Lever?
- To make work easier (gain in force → MA > 1).
- To make work faster or with more speed (Class III gives speed advantage).
- To change the direction of effort (e.g., seesaw, scissors).
Classes of Levers with Examples
| Class | Middle Part (F‑L‑E) | Everyday Examples | Usual Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | F in middle | Seesaw, crowbar, scissors, pliers, claw hammer | Can be MA >1, =1, or <1 (varies) |
| II | L in middle | Wheelbarrow, nutcracker, bottle opener, garlic press | Usually MA > 1 (force gain) |
| III | E in middle | Tweezers, fishing rod, broom, human forearm (biceps) | Usually MA < 1 (speed/precision gain) |
5E Activity Plan (One Class Period)
Engage (3–4 min)
Show a ruler balanced on a pencil (fulcrum) like a mini‑seesaw. Ask: “Where should I press to lift the eraser?” Students try placing effort at different distances.
Explore (8–10 min)
Groups test three setups using classroom items:
- Class I: Scale + pen cap as fulcrum + eraser as load.
- Class II: Carrying a heavy book on a dustpan (acts like wheelbarrow).
- Class III: Pick small paper balls using tweezers.
Explain (7–8 min)
Introduce F‑L‑E. Label fulcrum/effort/load in each setup. Relate to effort arm and load arm.
Elaborate (5–6 min)
Challenge: Move the fulcrum and predict how effort changes. Who can lift with the least effort?
Evaluate (5 min)
Use the Quick Quiz below or the printable worksheet.
Safety: supervise sharp tools (scissors, openers). Prefer blunt classroom versions for demonstrations.
Rainbow Mind Map – LEVER
You can right‑click → “Save as image…” after taking a screenshot to reuse this mind map image in a separate post if needed.
Quick Quiz (5 Questions)
Printable Worksheet
- Label fulcrum, effort, and load on a seesaw diagram.
- Write one example each for Class I, II, and III levers.
- State the F‑L‑E rule in your own words.
- Tick (✔️) the tools that are levers: spoon, stapler, nutcracker, bicycle pedal, broom.
- Reason: “A wheelbarrow is easier for heavy loads.” Which class? What is in the middle?
Teacher key: 1) F in middle (Class I) varies; 2) e.g., scissors / wheelbarrow / tweezers; 3) 1‑F, 2‑L, 3‑E; 4) stapler✓, nutcracker✓, broom✓; 5) Class II, Load in middle.
Blackboard Prompts (1‑minute each)
- Draw three bars and mark F, L, E in the middle for Class I/II/III.
- Ask: “Where should I place the fulcrum to lift with less effort?”
- Exit ticket: Students write one new example of each class from home.
Credits & Reuse
Designed to fit the style of your posts like Activity based teaching – Simple Pendulum and Rainbow Mind Map. You can split the Mind Map, Quiz, and Worksheet into separate posts if you prefer, or keep this single long post.
