The Badge Archive

Simple and Compound Machines

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:

  • Toy car (or small wheeled object)
  • Ramp (board or sturdy surface)
  • Jar with a screw-on lid
  • Rope or string

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 15 minutes):

  1. Step 1: Demonstrating Simple Machines (5 minutes)
    • The leader (or a scout) demos each simple machine:
      • Inclined Plane – Push the toy car up a ramp to show how it reduces effort.
      • Wheel & Axle – Roll the toy car forward to demonstrate smooth movement.
      • Screw – Twist open a jar lid to explain how screws help secure objects.
  2. Step 2: Compound Machine Challenge (7 minutes)
    • Scouts combine two machines to move the toy car in a new way.
      • Example: Roll the car up the ramp while using a pulley (rope) to help pull it.
      • Example: Use the screw-top lid to secure cargo on a moving car.
    • Discuss how real vehicles combine simple machines to function safely and efficiently.
  3. Step 3: Wrap-Up Discussion (2-3 minutes)
    • Scouts share:
      • Which machine made movement easiest?
      • What did combining machines teach them?
      • Where do they see compound machines in everyday life?
Tia Kennard