Classy+Levers

=Another one of my difficulties in life (say it isn't so) is remembering which lever is which. All levers are classified as either first, second or third class. Here's how I wrapped my mind around it, maybe it will help somebody else. =

=** In LiFE **= = the ELF = = FELl =

= Now, the L stands for the Load. The F is for the Fulcrum. The E is for the Effort. So if you are going to schematize it out in your mind...a first class lever is like a seesaw with the fulcrum between the load and the effort...LiFE. A second class lever is like a wheelbarrow because the fulcrum is at the end and the effort lifts the load...ELF. A third class lever is like sweeping with a broom as the fulcrum directs the effort that sends the load. I know that these parts are called other things but for me, this gives me a head start and a mental model to figure things out. Have students draw pics of the Elf falling....:) =