Making Machines with Ramps and Wedges looks at everything from ramps and wedges in history, such as stone axes, to the role of these simple machines in more complex machines, such as construction diggers.

A ramp is a simple machine that makes it easier for us to move things. A ramp has a bigger distance along the slope than it has along the vertical distance. Find out all about this simple machine in this title.

How are a water slide and a ski jump alike? Why is pushing something along a ramp much easier than lifting it in the air? Why do skis zigzag down a hill? How can a simple wedge stop an airplane? This book answers these questions and shows you how different kinds of these two simple machines are all around you to make your work and play easier.

Takes a look at ramps and wedges, what they are, how they are used, and how they help us.

How many simple machines do you use every day? Probably more than you realize! Machines make work easier— helping break things apart, lift heavy objects, and change the power and direction of force applied to them. In this accessible picture book, celebrated nonfiction author David A. Adler outlines different types of simple machines—wedges, wheels, levers, pulleys, and more—and gives common examples of how we use them every day. Anna Raff's bright illustrations show how simple machines work—and add a dose of fun and humor, too. Two appealing kids and their comical cat use machines to ride see-saws, turn knobs, and even eat apples. Perfect for classrooms or for budding engineers to read on their own, Simple Machines uses clear, simple language to introduce important mechanical vocabulary, and easy-to-understand examples to illustrate how we use machines to solve all kinds of problems. Don't miss David A. Adler and Anna Raff's other science collaborations—including Light Waves; Magnets Push, Magnets Pull; and Things That Float and Things That Don't.

Offers a brief and clear introduction to simple machines: what they are, their parts and what they can be made of, how they work and how we use them to apply the forces of pushes and pulls to move, lift, make or break things.