MACHINES AND ENERGY
A machine is an instrument that makes work easier.
- Simple machines (pliers, screwdriver, sharpener...).
- Have one or two parts
- Some are called "tools"
- Complex machines (washing mahine, watch, biclycle...).
- Have more than two parts.
- Sometimes are a combination of different machines.
All machines need energy to work.
- Fuel (car, bus, plane...).
- Electricity (electric drill, hairdryer...).
- Energy from people (scissors, stapler...).
- Energy from sun, wind and water (heater, torch...).
INVENTIONS: THE PRINTING PRESS
Inventions have made big changes in what and how we read.
- Clay tablets: used for writing using a tool such as a knife.
- Papyrus (made from a river plant) and parchment (made from animal skins).
- Early printing press: Johannes Gutenberg. Books made at the same time.
- Modern printing press: mechanised process. Mass production of books. Information revolution.
- Electronic books: read on a digital device.
INVENTIONS: TRANSPORT REVOLUTION
Steam engine (250 years ago) changed how people moved around (ships, trains...).
- Travel more quickly.
- Carry more people and products.
It was also part of the Industrial Revolution; it changed how things were made in factories.
INVENTIONS: COMMUNICATION REVOLUTION
- Telegraph (170 years ago).
- Telephone (140 years ago).
- Computers and smartphones.
PEOPLE AND MACHINES
Machines help us in different ways:
- At home (housework): washing machine, diswasher, vaccum cleaner, iron...
- Communicate: telephone, television, radio, computer...
- Transport (move around): bicycle, car, motorbike, train, plane..
- Enjoy our free time (enjoy): video consoles, electronic books, machines at the funfair...
- Jobs (to work):
- Mechanics: screwdrivers, pliers, spanners...
- Farmers: rakes, tractors, combine harvesters...
- Doctors: syringes, X-ray and ultrasound machines...
Some machines and places of work are dangerous. Workers have to follow safety rules to protect their eyes, ears, head, feet...
- Construction: wear a hard hat, boots and gloves
- Laboratory: wear a mask, glasses, gloves, lab coat...
- Driving: take a driving test, use the seatbelt...
CONDUCTORS AND INSULATORS
Electricity is powerful and dangerous. It flows througt some materials and it is block through others.
- Conductors: metal, water, trees and people.
- Insulators: plastic, glass and rubber.
