The Badge Archive

GSUSA Simple Machine Matching Game

Fulfills Step 1 of GSUSA Brownie Automotive Engineering badge requirements.

Info Needed for badge requirements: “Simple machines make work easier by using less force in a different direction. Force is the strength or energy that creates movement, like a push or pull. A vehicle is made up of lots of parts that work together so the vehicle can move. For example, a gas cap is a screw and the door handle is a lever. When simple machines like these work together, that’s a compound machine.” – GSUSA Automotive Booklet

Items Needed:

  • Simple Machines Matching Game by GSUSA
  • Tape
  • Poster board or chart paper
  • Markers
  • (Optional) Real examples of simple machines (screw-top jar, doorstop, toy car, fishing rod, etc.)

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 20–25 minutes):

  1. Step 1: Introduce Simple Machines (6–8 minutes)
    • Scouts look at examples of simple machines like wheels, ramps, and screws.
    • Explain that simple machines help make work easier by using less force.
    • Introduce the six types: wheel and axle, screw, inclined plane, lever, pulley, and wedge.
  2. Step 2: Match Simple Machines to Vehicles (10–12 minutes)
    • Scouts match everyday objects (like a scooter or slide) to a vehicle part that uses the same simple machine.
    • As each match is made, scouts tape the pieces onto a large blank vehicle diagram.
    • Correct matches include:
      • Wheel and axle → Scooter → Car wheel
      • Inclined plane → Slide → Truck ramp
      • Screw → Light bulb → Gas cap
      • Lever → Seesaw → Gear shift
      • Pulley → Window blinds → Seat belt
      • Wedge → Doorstop → Parking wedge
  3. Step 3: Learn About Compound Machines (4–5 minutes)
    • Explain that vehicles are made of multiple simple machines working together—this is called a compound machine.
    • (Optional) Scouts discuss how systems in a vehicle (like propulsion and electrical systems) rely on different machines to function.

Bonus Challenge:

  • Scouts find a real example of a simple machine in their environment (like a ramp or lever).
  • Brainstorm a new type of vehicle that uses a combination of simple machines in a creative way.
Tia Kennard