Primary 2 Simple Machines Vocabulary

Primary 2 machines vocabulary helps children describe simple machines, mechanisms, forces, motion, gears, levers, pulleys and moving parts with greater precision. This Top 100 Primary 2 Vocabulary List is a worldwide Grade 2 technical-English guide with meanings, examples and practice for young learners exploring how objects move, transfer force and perform useful tasks.

High-interest searches around simple machines vocabulary for kids, 2nd grade machines vocabulary, lever pulley wheel and axle vocabulary, gears and mechanisms for kids, force and motion words, STEM vocabulary and engineering words share a practical reader need: children need names for parts and relationships before they can explain what a machine is doing. This article therefore moves from everyday machines into forces, simple machines, rotating parts, linkages, structures, testing and explanation.

Maren, Iona and Leonie are fictional SETC learning characters used throughout this new eduKateSingapore Primary 2 collection. Maren organises technical explanations, Iona checks observations and answer scope, and Leonie manages execution and recovery. This volume has a distinct job from the existing paper-engineering, engineering-design and coding vocabulary volumes: this article owns the language of physical machines, mechanisms and movement.

A safety boundary before exploring machines

Use only safe, age-appropriate classroom objects and models. Do not ask children to open electrical appliances, work near powered machinery, lift heavy loads, place fingers in gears, stretch loaded mechanisms towards faces or experiment with sharp blades. A paper lever, cardboard wheel, toy pulley or teacher-prepared model can demonstrate the vocabulary without turning a language lesson into a hazardous engineering task.

The examples are conceptual. They explain relationships such as pivoting, rotating, transferring motion and changing direction. They are not instructions for building load-bearing equipment or safety-critical devices. When a real product is involved, follow its manufacturer guidance and adult supervision requirements.

Machines and purpose: ten high-utility machine words

This section develops machines and purpose through observable relationships. Maren asks what the learner wants to explain. Iona separates what can be seen from what is inferred. Leonie changes one feature at a time when a model does not behave as expected. The vocabulary is useful only when it makes those relationships easier to state.

001. Machine. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, machine names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses machine while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use machine to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different machine relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

002. Tool. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, tool names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses tool while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use tool to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different tool relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

003. Device. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, device names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses device while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use device to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different device relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

004. Mechanism. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, mechanism names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses mechanism while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use mechanism to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different mechanism relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

005. Work. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, work names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses work while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use work to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different work relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

006. Effort. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, effort names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses effort while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use effort to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different effort relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

007. Task. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, task names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses task while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use task to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different task relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

008. Purpose. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, purpose names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses purpose while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use purpose to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different purpose relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

009. Function. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, function names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses function while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use function to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different function relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

010. System. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, system names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses system while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use system to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different system relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

Machines and purpose laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Laboratory 1. Use a safe paper or cardboard model prepared for the lesson. First draw it at rest. Next identify one part and predict what will happen when a gentle input is applied. Operate the model, observe the output and compare the result with the prediction. Choose three words from this section to describe the event. A strong explanation says what moved, where the movement began, what changed and what evidence supports the statement.

Now change only one visible feature of the fictional model: the pivot position, wheel size, surface texture, direction of rotation or length of a paper arm. Predict a difference before the next trial. If several features change at once, the learner may still describe what happened but should not pretend to know which change caused the result. That boundary turns machine vocabulary into evidence-aware language.

For writing transfer, use four compact sentences: part → action → result → explanation. For example, identify the lever, describe the push, report the movement and explain the observed relationship without claiming more than the model showed. Maren checks sequence, Iona checks evidence and Leonie checks whether another learner could repeat the observation safely with the same prepared model.

Laboratory 2. Use a safe paper or cardboard model prepared for the lesson. First draw it at rest. Next identify one part and predict what will happen when a gentle input is applied. Operate the model, observe the output and compare the result with the prediction. Choose three words from this section to describe the event. A strong explanation says what moved, where the movement began, what changed and what evidence supports the statement.

Laboratory 3. Use a safe paper or cardboard model prepared for the lesson. First draw it at rest. Next identify one part and predict what will happen when a gentle input is applied. Operate the model, observe the output and compare the result with the prediction. Choose three words from this section to describe the event. A strong explanation says what moved, where the movement began, what changed and what evidence supports the statement.

Laboratory 4. Use a safe paper or cardboard model prepared for the lesson. First draw it at rest. Next identify one part and predict what will happen when a gentle input is applied. Operate the model, observe the output and compare the result with the prediction. Choose three words from this section to describe the event. A strong explanation says what moved, where the movement began, what changed and what evidence supports the statement.

Laboratory 5. Use a safe paper or cardboard model prepared for the lesson. First draw it at rest. Next identify one part and predict what will happen when a gentle input is applied. Operate the model, observe the output and compare the result with the prediction. Choose three words from this section to describe the event. A strong explanation says what moved, where the movement began, what changed and what evidence supports the statement.

Forces and motion: ten high-utility machine words

This section develops forces and motion through observable relationships. Maren asks what the learner wants to explain. Iona separates what can be seen from what is inferred. Leonie changes one feature at a time when a model does not behave as expected. The vocabulary is useful only when it makes those relationships easier to state.

011. Force. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, force names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses force while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use force to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different force relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

012. Push. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, push names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses push while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use push to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different push relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

013. Pull. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, pull names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses pull while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use pull to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different pull relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

014. Motion. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, motion names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses motion while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use motion to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different motion relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

015. Move. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, move names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses move while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use move to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different move relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

016. Speed. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, speed names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses speed while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use speed to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different speed relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

017. Direction. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, direction names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses direction while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use direction to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different direction relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

018. Distance. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, distance names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses distance while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use distance to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different distance relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

019. Position. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, position names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses position while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use position to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different position relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

020. Load. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, load names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses load while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use load to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different load relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

Forces and motion laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Simple machines: ten high-utility machine words

This section develops simple machines through observable relationships. Maren asks what the learner wants to explain. Iona separates what can be seen from what is inferred. Leonie changes one feature at a time when a model does not behave as expected. The vocabulary is useful only when it makes those relationships easier to state.

021. Lever. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, lever names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses lever while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use lever to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different lever relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

022. Fulcrum. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, fulcrum names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses fulcrum while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use fulcrum to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different fulcrum relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

023. Effort force. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, effort force names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses effort force while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use effort force to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different effort force relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

024. Load force. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, load force names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses load force while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use load force to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different load force relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

025. Wheel. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, wheel names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses wheel while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use wheel to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different wheel relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

026. Axle. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, axle names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses axle while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use axle to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different axle relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

027. Pulley. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, pulley names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses pulley while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use pulley to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different pulley relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

028. Inclined plane. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, inclined plane names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses inclined plane while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use inclined plane to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different inclined plane relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

029. Wedge. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, wedge names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses wedge while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use wedge to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different wedge relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

030. Screw. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, screw names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses screw while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use screw to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different screw relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

Simple machines laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Rotating parts: ten high-utility machine words

This section develops rotating parts through observable relationships. Maren asks what the learner wants to explain. Iona separates what can be seen from what is inferred. Leonie changes one feature at a time when a model does not behave as expected. The vocabulary is useful only when it makes those relationships easier to state.

031. Rotate. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, rotate names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses rotate while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use rotate to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different rotate relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

032. Rotation. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, rotation names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses rotation while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use rotation to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different rotation relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

033. Turn. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, turn names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses turn while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use turn to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different turn relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

034. Spin. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, spin names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses spin while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use spin to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different spin relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

035. Shaft. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, shaft names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses shaft while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use shaft to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different shaft relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

036. Gear. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, gear names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses gear while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use gear to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different gear relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

037. Teeth. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, teeth names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses teeth while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use teeth to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different teeth relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

038. Mesh. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, mesh names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses mesh while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use mesh to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different mesh relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

039. Clockwise. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, clockwise names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses clockwise while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use clockwise to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different clockwise relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

040. Anticlockwise. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, anticlockwise names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses anticlockwise while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use anticlockwise to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different anticlockwise relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

Rotating parts laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Movement transfer: ten high-utility machine words

This section develops movement transfer through observable relationships. Maren asks what the learner wants to explain. Iona separates what can be seen from what is inferred. Leonie changes one feature at a time when a model does not behave as expected. The vocabulary is useful only when it makes those relationships easier to state.

041. Transfer. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, transfer names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses transfer while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use transfer to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different transfer relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

042. Input. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, input names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses input while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use input to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different input relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

043. Output. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, output names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses output while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use output to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different output relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

044. Linkage. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, linkage names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses linkage while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use linkage to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different linkage relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

045. Joint. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, joint names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses joint while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use joint to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different joint relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

046. Pivot. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, pivot names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses pivot while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use pivot to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different pivot relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

047. Crank. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, crank names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses crank while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use crank to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different crank relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

048. Slider. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, slider names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses slider while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use slider to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different slider relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

049. Cam. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, cam names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses cam while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use cam to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different cam relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

050. Follower. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, follower names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses follower while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use follower to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different follower relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

Movement transfer laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Structure and support: ten high-utility machine words

This section develops structure and support through observable relationships. Maren asks what the learner wants to explain. Iona separates what can be seen from what is inferred. Leonie changes one feature at a time when a model does not behave as expected. The vocabulary is useful only when it makes those relationships easier to state.

051. Frame. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, frame names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses frame while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use frame to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different frame relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

052. Base. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, base names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses base while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use base to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different base relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

053. Support. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, support names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses support while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use support to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different support relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

054. Beam. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, beam names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses beam while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use beam to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different beam relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

055. Brace. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, brace names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses brace while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use brace to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different brace relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

056. Balance. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, balance names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses balance while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use balance to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different balance relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

057. Stable. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, stable names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses stable while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use stable to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different stable relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

058. Stability. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, stability names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses stability while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use stability to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different stability relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

059. Rigid. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, rigid names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses rigid while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use rigid to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different rigid relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

060. Flexible. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, flexible names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses flexible while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use flexible to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different flexible relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

Structure and support laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Materials and contact: ten high-utility machine words

This section develops materials and contact through observable relationships. Maren asks what the learner wants to explain. Iona separates what can be seen from what is inferred. Leonie changes one feature at a time when a model does not behave as expected. The vocabulary is useful only when it makes those relationships easier to state.

061. Material. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, material names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses material while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use material to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different material relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

062. Surface. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, surface names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses surface while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use surface to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different surface relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

063. Friction. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, friction names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses friction while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use friction to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different friction relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

064. Grip. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, grip names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses grip while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use grip to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different grip relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

065. Smooth. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, smooth names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses smooth while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use smooth to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different smooth relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

066. Rough. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, rough names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses rough while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use rough to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different rough relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

067. Hard. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, hard names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses hard while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use hard to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different hard relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

068. Soft. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, soft names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses soft while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use soft to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different soft relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

069. Strong. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, strong names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses strong while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use strong to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different strong relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

070. Weak. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, weak names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses weak while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use weak to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different weak relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

Materials and contact laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Measurement and comparison: ten high-utility machine words

This section develops measurement and comparison through observable relationships. Maren asks what the learner wants to explain. Iona separates what can be seen from what is inferred. Leonie changes one feature at a time when a model does not behave as expected. The vocabulary is useful only when it makes those relationships easier to state.

071. Measure. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, measure names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses measure while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use measure to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different measure relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

072. Length. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, length names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses length while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use length to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different length relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

073. Height. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, height names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses height while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use height to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different height relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

074. Width. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, width names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses width while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use width to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different width relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

075. Angle. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, angle names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses angle while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use angle to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different angle relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

076. Time. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, time names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses time while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use time to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different time relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

077. Count. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, count names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses count while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use count to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different count relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

078. Compare. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, compare names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses compare while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use compare to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different compare relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

079. Ratio. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, ratio names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses ratio while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use ratio to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different ratio relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

080. Estimate. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, estimate names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses estimate while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use estimate to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different estimate relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

Measurement and comparison laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Testing and evidence: ten high-utility machine words

This section develops testing and evidence through observable relationships. Maren asks what the learner wants to explain. Iona separates what can be seen from what is inferred. Leonie changes one feature at a time when a model does not behave as expected. The vocabulary is useful only when it makes those relationships easier to state.

081. Test. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, test names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses test while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use test to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different test relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

082. Trial. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, trial names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses trial while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use trial to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different trial relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

083. Condition. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, condition names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses condition while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use condition to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different condition relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

084. Variable. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, variable names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses variable while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use variable to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different variable relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

085. Observe. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, observe names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses observe while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use observe to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different observe relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

086. Record. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, record names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses record while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use record to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different record relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

087. Data. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, data names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses data while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use data to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different data relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

088. Result. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, result names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses result while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use result to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different result relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

089. Pattern. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, pattern names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses pattern while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use pattern to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different pattern relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

090. Evidence. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, evidence names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses evidence while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use evidence to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different evidence relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

Testing and evidence laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Improvement and explanation: ten high-utility machine words

This section develops improvement and explanation through observable relationships. Maren asks what the learner wants to explain. Iona separates what can be seen from what is inferred. Leonie changes one feature at a time when a model does not behave as expected. The vocabulary is useful only when it makes those relationships easier to state.

091. Problem. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, problem names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses problem while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use problem to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different problem relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

092. Solution. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, solution names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses solution while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use solution to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different solution relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

093. Design. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, design names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses design while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use design to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different design relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

094. Model. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, model names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses model while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use model to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different model relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

095. Prototype. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, prototype names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses prototype while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use prototype to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different prototype relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

096. Failure. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, failure names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses failure while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use failure to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different failure relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

097. Adjust. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, adjust names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses adjust while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use adjust to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different adjust relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

098. Improve. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, improve names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses improve while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use improve to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different improve relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

099. Evaluate. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, evaluate names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses evaluate while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use evaluate to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different evaluate relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

100. Explain. In this machines-and-mechanisms collection, explain names a useful part, action, property or relationship. Example: Maren uses explain while describing a safe cardboard mechanism; Iona points to the observation that supports the description; Leonie operates the teacher-prepared model slowly and reports what changes. Meaning boundary: the word does not by itself prove that a machine is better, safer or more efficient. Those conclusions need a stated purpose and evidence. Transfer: use explain to explain a different familiar object, drawing or toy model, then say what detail would make the word inaccurate.

A deeper check asks the learner to distinguish the word from a nearby idea. Is the sentence naming a part, a movement, a force, a property or a judgement? Could the same object show a different explain relationship under another condition? Iona asks for the evidence inside the sentence. Maren improves the wording only after the relationship is clear. Leonie then retrieves the word later without displaying the original example. This delayed transfer matters more than copying a technical definition.

Improvement and explanation laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Simple machines: useful categories, not magic force creators

The familiar simple-machine categories—lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge and screw—help children notice recurring mechanical ideas. They do not mean that machines create energy from nothing. A machine can change the direction, distance or force relationship involved in a task, while real systems also involve friction, deformation and other losses. At Primary 2 level, keep the explanation qualitative unless the learner’s curriculum explicitly introduces calculations.

A lever provides a clear language example. Identify the lever arm, the pivot or fulcrum, the effort and the load. Move the effort point on a safe model and observe how the motion changes. The lesson is not “longer is always better”; it is that changing geometry changes the relationship among force and movement. The learner should describe the tested configuration rather than make an unlimited claim.

Gears: rotation, direction and tooth relationships

Two meshing gears provide a visible way to discuss rotation. When one turns, the touching teeth transmit motion to the other. With two external gears, the neighbouring gear rotates in the opposite direction. Add another gear and the direction changes again. The child can trace clockwise and anticlockwise arrows before touching the model.

Different gear sizes can produce different rotation relationships. This article does not ask Primary 2 learners to calculate engineering gear trains. A simple observation is enough: count turns or marked positions on a teacher-prepared model, record the result and describe the pattern. If a ratio is introduced, connect it to the counted relationship rather than treating ratio as an impressive isolated term.

Levers and pivots: position matters

Place a paper strip over a safe rounded support to represent a lever and fulcrum. Mark the effort and load positions on the drawing. The important vocabulary distinction is positional: the fulcrum is the pivot point, the effort is where the input force is applied, and the load is what the system is acting on. These labels describe roles in the model rather than permanent identities of the physical pieces.

Move the pivot in the drawing and predict what may change. The learner can compare movement distances qualitatively. Keep fingers and objects light, and do not turn the activity into lifting heavy items. The educational job is to understand relationships and language, not to demonstrate maximum mechanical advantage.

Pulleys, wheels and axles

A pulley can change the direction in which a force is applied, and pulley systems can have more complex force-distance relationships. For a young learner, begin with a diagram or safe toy model and trace the rope path. Ask where the input is applied and where the load moves. Do not improvise overhead lifting systems.

A wheel and axle involves connected rotating parts of different sizes. Everyday examples can help recognition, but real objects often contain many additional mechanisms. When analysing a doorknob, toy wheel or rolling object, say which relationship the example is illustrating instead of claiming that the whole product is only one simple machine.

Friction: the same effect can help or hinder

Friction resists relative sliding between surfaces. It can help shoes grip the floor or help a wheel transmit motion, while in another context it can make parts harder to move and contribute to wear. Therefore, “less friction is better” is not a reliable general rule. The purpose determines whether a particular friction effect is useful.

Use safe surface comparisons such as sliding a light paper block across two classroom materials. Keep the load and push as similar as practical and describe the observation qualitatively. A Primary 2 learner can say one surface resisted sliding more without pretending to have measured a precise coefficient of friction.

Twenty retrieval and reasoning checks

Check 1. Select one machine word and one evidence word from the list. Describe a safe fictional observation that connects them. Answer guide: identify the part or relationship, state what was done, report what happened and keep the conclusion within the observation. Accept different examples when the mechanical relationship is plausible. Do not reward a longer technical sentence if it introduces an unsupported claim.

Check 2. Select one machine word and one evidence word from the list. Describe a safe fictional observation that connects them. Answer guide: identify the part or relationship, state what was done, report what happened and keep the conclusion within the observation. Accept different examples when the mechanical relationship is plausible. Do not reward a longer technical sentence if it introduces an unsupported claim.

Check 3. Select one machine word and one evidence word from the list. Describe a safe fictional observation that connects them. Answer guide: identify the part or relationship, state what was done, report what happened and keep the conclusion within the observation. Accept different examples when the mechanical relationship is plausible. Do not reward a longer technical sentence if it introduces an unsupported claim.

Check 4. Select one machine word and one evidence word from the list. Describe a safe fictional observation that connects them. Answer guide: identify the part or relationship, state what was done, report what happened and keep the conclusion within the observation. Accept different examples when the mechanical relationship is plausible. Do not reward a longer technical sentence if it introduces an unsupported claim.

Check 5. Select one machine word and one evidence word from the list. Describe a safe fictional observation that connects them. Answer guide: identify the part or relationship, state what was done, report what happened and keep the conclusion within the observation. Accept different examples when the mechanical relationship is plausible. Do not reward a longer technical sentence if it introduces an unsupported claim.

Check 6. Select one machine word and one evidence word from the list. Describe a safe fictional observation that connects them. Answer guide: identify the part or relationship, state what was done, report what happened and keep the conclusion within the observation. Accept different examples when the mechanical relationship is plausible. Do not reward a longer technical sentence if it introduces an unsupported claim.

Check 7. Select one machine word and one evidence word from the list. Describe a safe fictional observation that connects them. Answer guide: identify the part or relationship, state what was done, report what happened and keep the conclusion within the observation. Accept different examples when the mechanical relationship is plausible. Do not reward a longer technical sentence if it introduces an unsupported claim.

Check 8. Select one machine word and one evidence word from the list. Describe a safe fictional observation that connects them. Answer guide: identify the part or relationship, state what was done, report what happened and keep the conclusion within the observation. Accept different examples when the mechanical relationship is plausible. Do not reward a longer technical sentence if it introduces an unsupported claim.

Check 9. Select one machine word and one evidence word from the list. Describe a safe fictional observation that connects them. Answer guide: identify the part or relationship, state what was done, report what happened and keep the conclusion within the observation. Accept different examples when the mechanical relationship is plausible. Do not reward a longer technical sentence if it introduces an unsupported claim.

Check 10. Select one machine word and one evidence word from the list. Describe a safe fictional observation that connects them. Answer guide: identify the part or relationship, state what was done, report what happened and keep the conclusion within the observation. Accept different examples when the mechanical relationship is plausible. Do not reward a longer technical sentence if it introduces an unsupported claim.

Check 11. Select one machine word and one evidence word from the list. Describe a safe fictional observation that connects them. Answer guide: identify the part or relationship, state what was done, report what happened and keep the conclusion within the observation. Accept different examples when the mechanical relationship is plausible. Do not reward a longer technical sentence if it introduces an unsupported claim.

Check 12. Select one machine word and one evidence word from the list. Describe a safe fictional observation that connects them. Answer guide: identify the part or relationship, state what was done, report what happened and keep the conclusion within the observation. Accept different examples when the mechanical relationship is plausible. Do not reward a longer technical sentence if it introduces an unsupported claim.

Check 13. Select one machine word and one evidence word from the list. Describe a safe fictional observation that connects them. Answer guide: identify the part or relationship, state what was done, report what happened and keep the conclusion within the observation. Accept different examples when the mechanical relationship is plausible. Do not reward a longer technical sentence if it introduces an unsupported claim.

Check 14. Select one machine word and one evidence word from the list. Describe a safe fictional observation that connects them. Answer guide: identify the part or relationship, state what was done, report what happened and keep the conclusion within the observation. Accept different examples when the mechanical relationship is plausible. Do not reward a longer technical sentence if it introduces an unsupported claim.

Check 15. Select one machine word and one evidence word from the list. Describe a safe fictional observation that connects them. Answer guide: identify the part or relationship, state what was done, report what happened and keep the conclusion within the observation. Accept different examples when the mechanical relationship is plausible. Do not reward a longer technical sentence if it introduces an unsupported claim.

Check 16. Select one machine word and one evidence word from the list. Describe a safe fictional observation that connects them. Answer guide: identify the part or relationship, state what was done, report what happened and keep the conclusion within the observation. Accept different examples when the mechanical relationship is plausible. Do not reward a longer technical sentence if it introduces an unsupported claim.

Check 17. Select one machine word and one evidence word from the list. Describe a safe fictional observation that connects them. Answer guide: identify the part or relationship, state what was done, report what happened and keep the conclusion within the observation. Accept different examples when the mechanical relationship is plausible. Do not reward a longer technical sentence if it introduces an unsupported claim.

Check 18. Select one machine word and one evidence word from the list. Describe a safe fictional observation that connects them. Answer guide: identify the part or relationship, state what was done, report what happened and keep the conclusion within the observation. Accept different examples when the mechanical relationship is plausible. Do not reward a longer technical sentence if it introduces an unsupported claim.

Check 19. Select one machine word and one evidence word from the list. Describe a safe fictional observation that connects them. Answer guide: identify the part or relationship, state what was done, report what happened and keep the conclusion within the observation. Accept different examples when the mechanical relationship is plausible. Do not reward a longer technical sentence if it introduces an unsupported claim.

Check 20. Select one machine word and one evidence word from the list. Describe a safe fictional observation that connects them. Answer guide: identify the part or relationship, state what was done, report what happened and keep the conclusion within the observation. Accept different examples when the mechanical relationship is plausible. Do not reward a longer technical sentence if it introduces an unsupported claim.

A four-week learning route

Week 1. Choose five terms around one relationship rather than memorising twenty-five unrelated words. Begin with oral explanation and a labelled drawing. Retrieve the words on another day without the drawing. Read a short mechanism description and identify the relevant evidence. Then write a four-sentence explanation. At the next session, bring back two earlier terms before adding new ones. The repeated return helps vocabulary become usable across contexts.

Week 2. Choose five terms around one relationship rather than memorising twenty-five unrelated words. Begin with oral explanation and a labelled drawing. Retrieve the words on another day without the drawing. Read a short mechanism description and identify the relevant evidence. Then write a four-sentence explanation. At the next session, bring back two earlier terms before adding new ones. The repeated return helps vocabulary become usable across contexts.

Week 3. Choose five terms around one relationship rather than memorising twenty-five unrelated words. Begin with oral explanation and a labelled drawing. Retrieve the words on another day without the drawing. Read a short mechanism description and identify the relevant evidence. Then write a four-sentence explanation. At the next session, bring back two earlier terms before adding new ones. The repeated return helps vocabulary become usable across contexts.

Week 4. Choose five terms around one relationship rather than memorising twenty-five unrelated words. Begin with oral explanation and a labelled drawing. Retrieve the words on another day without the drawing. Read a short mechanism description and identify the relevant evidence. Then write a four-sentence explanation. At the next session, bring back two earlier terms before adding new ones. The repeated return helps vocabulary become usable across contexts.

Sources and scope

For general explanations of simple machines and mechanical relationships, see Encyclopaedia Britannica’s simple machine overview. For child-facing STEM exploration, Science Buddies mechanical engineering STEM activities illustrates the kinds of observable mechanisms and design questions that can motivate vocabulary learning. These sources do not prescribe this exact eduKateSingapore list.

This article deliberately avoids claiming a universal Primary 2 engineering curriculum. The word bank is an enrichment and language-transfer resource. Adults should align activities with local curriculum, learner readiness and safety requirements.

Continue through the Primary 2 technical vocabulary lane

Use paper engineering for material-rich making vocabulary, engineering design for criteria, constraints, prototypes and iteration, and coding and computational thinking for algorithms, loops and debugging. Return to the Vocabulary Article Directory or eduKate Vocabulary Learning System for the wider vocabulary estate.

Vocabulary routes: English Vocabulary Lists.

eduKate SG

Top 100 Primary 2 Vocabulary List | Simple Machines, Gears, Levers, Forces and Mechanisms for Grade 2

A safety boundary before exploring machines

Machines and purpose: ten high-utility machine words

Machines and purpose laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Forces and motion: ten high-utility machine words

Forces and motion laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Simple machines: ten high-utility machine words

Simple machines laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Rotating parts: ten high-utility machine words

Rotating parts laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Movement transfer: ten high-utility machine words

Movement transfer laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Structure and support: ten high-utility machine words

Structure and support laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Materials and contact: ten high-utility machine words

Materials and contact laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Measurement and comparison: ten high-utility machine words

Measurement and comparison laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Testing and evidence: ten high-utility machine words

Testing and evidence laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Improvement and explanation: ten high-utility machine words

Improvement and explanation laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Simple machines: useful categories, not magic force creators

Gears: rotation, direction and tooth relationships

Levers and pivots: position matters

Pulleys, wheels and axles

Friction: the same effect can help or hinder

Twenty retrieval and reasoning checks

A four-week learning route

Sources and scope

Continue through the Primary 2 technical vocabulary lane

Like this:

Take one question further

Top 100 Primary 2 Vocabulary List | Simple Machines, Gears, Levers, Forces and Mechanisms for Grade 2

A safety boundary before exploring machines

Machines and purpose: ten high-utility machine words

Machines and purpose laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Forces and motion: ten high-utility machine words

Forces and motion laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Simple machines: ten high-utility machine words

Simple machines laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Rotating parts: ten high-utility machine words

Rotating parts laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Movement transfer: ten high-utility machine words

Movement transfer laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Structure and support: ten high-utility machine words

Structure and support laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Materials and contact: ten high-utility machine words

Materials and contact laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Measurement and comparison: ten high-utility machine words

Measurement and comparison laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Testing and evidence: ten high-utility machine words

Testing and evidence laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Improvement and explanation: ten high-utility machine words

Improvement and explanation laboratory: observe without overclaiming

Simple machines: useful categories, not magic force creators

Gears: rotation, direction and tooth relationships

Levers and pivots: position matters

Pulleys, wheels and axles

Friction: the same effect can help or hinder

Twenty retrieval and reasoning checks

A four-week learning route

Sources and scope

Continue through the Primary 2 technical vocabulary lane

Share this:

Like this:

Take one question further

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