Machines

Welcome to Machines! In this event, teams will complete a written test on simple and compound machine concepts and construct a lever-based measuring device prior to the tournament to determine the mass ratios between three test masses.

The information below should not be interpreted as an extension of the rules. You can find free online copies of the current rules for download on the 2026 Rules page of the Science Olympiad website. The official rules in the current Rules Manual take precedence.

Resources & Links 2026 coming soon!

• Rule Correction Posted - 12/6/25
• New 26' - Machines Resource Video
• New '26 - Machines Div C Video Guide

Archived Resources

• Machine Learning Notes
• Internet Links for Machines
• Machines Practice Slides from a Science Olympiad National Event Supervisor:
  • Lesson 1 - Introduction to Machines
  • Lesson 2 - Force, Friction, Torque, & Levers
  • Lesson 3 - Pulleys
  • Lesson 4 - Wheel & Axle
  • Lesson 5 - Wedges
  • Lesson 6 - Inclined Planes
  • Lesson 7 - Screws
  • Lesson 8 - How to Build a Lever
• Machines Homework Generator
• Score Sheet and Checklist Page
• Khan Academy Tutorial on Mechanical Advantage
• SEDL Simple Machines Online Textbook
• Department of Navy - Basic Machines Textbook

SO Store & Ward's Science Kits

• New - Machines Starter Pack
• New - Machines Ward's Science Kit
• Updated - Chemistry & Physics Starter Stack

PRACTICE PROBLEMS & TESTS

• Practice Test - 2026 BullSO Invitational
• Practice Test - 2026 Wichita Heights High School Invitational
• Practice Test - 2026 GullSO Invitational
• Practice Test - 2026 Northview Invitational
• Practice Test - 2026 Hawk & Hornet Invitational 

EVENT SUPERVISOR RESOURCES

In addition to the resources on the Event Supervisors page, Machines Event Supervisors should be sure to use the following resources:

• Event Logistics Resource
• 2026 Score Sheet & Event Checklist

CAREER CONNECTIONS

• Coming soon!