--- title: Simple Machines at Play | Battle of the Brains description: SIMPLE MACHINES AT PLAY explores six mechanical devices — the simple machines — that have transformed our world by letting us do more work with less effort. image: https://botbkc.com/hubfs/BATTLE%20OF%20THE%20BRAINS/simple-machines-play/Exhibit-SimpleMachines-5.jpg --- [X (Twitter)](https://x.com/burnsmacstem) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BurnsMacSTEM) [![Battle of the Brains logo](https://1936845.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/1936845/Battle%20of%20the%20Brains%20Microsite/botb-logo2018.png)](https://botbkc.com?hsLang=en) - [The Competition](https://botbkc.com/the-competition?hsLang=en) - [Resources](https://botbkc.com/resources?hsLang=en) - [Exhibits](https://botbkc.com/exhibits?hsLang=en) - [About Us](https://botbkc.com/about-us?hsLang=en) - [THE COMPETITION](https://botbkc.com/the-competition?hsLang=en) - [RESOURCES](https://botbkc.com/resources?hsLang=en) - [EXHIBITS](https://botbkc.com/exhibits?hsLang=en) - [ABOUT US](https://botbkc.com/about-us?hsLang=en) Simple Machines at Play Humans have always looked for better ways to do things. SIMPLE MACHINES AT PLAY explores six special mechanical devices — the simple machines — that have transformed our world by letting us do more work with less effort. While simple machines are used to make work easier, in this expansive outdoor exhibit they’re the basis for play too! Climb, race, lift and slide — moving your body and engaging your mind on the way to a better understanding of these inventions. About the Exhibit With the **Lever Lift**, you’re strong enough to lift your friends in a giant globe! Race down one of two exhilarating ziplines In **Just Plane Zippy**, but don’t forget to look up at the simple machine right above you. At **Acceleration Plane**, place weighted wheels at the top of each ramp and let go to see how gravity works against friction. Go for a spin on **The Wheel Deal** and learn firsthand how a wheel and axle makes work easier. Lift a bowling ball with ease with **Pulley Power** — a feat made possible by a simple machine. In **Wedge It**, use one kind of wedge (your hands and feet) to scamper up a wedge-shaped climbing wall. Slide down the ridges — or threads — of a screw in the **Screw Slider.** Ready for an adventure? Scale the three-story-tall **Luckey Climber** to get a birds-eye view of the simple machines in the exhibit. ![](https://botbkc.com/hubfs/BATTLE%20OF%20THE%20BRAINS/simple-machines-play/Exhibit-SimpleMachines-1.jpg) ![](https://botbkc.com/hubfs/BATTLE%20OF%20THE%20BRAINS/simple-machines-play/Exhibit-SimpleMachines-6.jpg) ![](https://botbkc.com/hubfs/BATTLE%20OF%20THE%20BRAINS/simple-machines-play/Exhibit-SimpleMachines-7.jpg) ![](https://botbkc.com/hubfs/BATTLE%20OF%20THE%20BRAINS/simple-machines-play/Exhibit-SimpleMachines-2.jpg) ![](https://botbkc.com/hubfs/BATTLE%20OF%20THE%20BRAINS/simple-machines-play/Exhibit-SimpleMachines-9.jpg) ![](https://botbkc.com/hubfs/BATTLE%20OF%20THE%20BRAINS/simple-machines-play/Exhibit-SimpleMachines-8.jpg) ![](https://botbkc.com/hubfs/BATTLE%20OF%20THE%20BRAINS/simple-machines-play/Exhibit-SimpleMachines-4.jpg) ![](https://botbkc.com/hubfs/BATTLE%20OF%20THE%20BRAINS/simple-machines-play/Exhibit-SimpleMachines-3.jpg) ![](https://botbkc.com/hubfs/BATTLE%20OF%20THE%20BRAINS/simple-machines-play/Exhibit-SimpleMachines-5.jpg) Inspired by Kids Mason Elementary School In the 2015 Battle of the Brains, a group of students from Mason Elementary earned top honors for their big ideas about simple machines. Their concept had big impact: simple machines — and the complex machines they combine to create — offer a mechanical advantage and make work easier. The team worked with architects, engineers, construction managers and designers at Burns & McDonnell — as well as Science City staff — to bring these ideas to life. × EXPLORE MORE EXHIBITS Light Lab LIGHT LAB explores the electromagnetic spectrum. [View exhibit](https://botbkc.com/exhibits/light-lab?hsLang=en) Riveting Robots RIVETING ROBOTS explores how robots complete tasks that are often too dull, difficult or dangerous for humans. [View exhibit](https://botbkc.com/exhibits/riveting-robots?hsLang=en) Step Right Up! STEP RIGHT UP! explores STEM concepts through classic carnival games. The difference between winning and losing is in understanding probability, statistics, the laws of physics and your body’s natural ability to connect sight and movements. [View exhibit](https://botbkc.com/exhibits/step-right-up?hsLang=en) The Amazing Brain THE AMAZING BRAIN explores your body’s command center — where you form memories, feel emotions, learn new things and so much more. [View exhibit](https://botbkc.com/exhibits/the-amazing-brain?hsLang=en) Every Last Drop Water feels ordinary to us because it’s so familiar, but it’s a truly extraordinary molecule. EVERY LAST DROP explores water and our relationship to it. [View exhibit](https://botbkc.com/exhibits/every-last-drop?hsLang=en) Genetics: Unlock the Code You are 99.9 percent identical to the person standing next to you. GENETICS: UNLOCK THE CODE helps visitors discover the science and wonder behind that fraction of a percent. [View exhibit](https://botbkc.com/exhibits/genetics-unlock-the-code?hsLang=en) Unplugged: Science of Energy The UNPLUGGED: THE SCIENCE OF ENERGY explores energy and our relationship to it, offering a better understanding of energy and its sources. [View exhibit](https://botbkc.com/exhibits/science-of-energy?hsLang=en) Science on a Sphere SCIENCE ON A SPHERE offers a world’s worth of information — literally! This room-sized, global display system displays planetary data on a 6-foot diameter sphere. [View exhibit](https://botbkc.com/exhibits/science-on-a-sphere?hsLang=en) The Burns & McDonnell Engineerium The BURNS & MCDONNELL ENGINEERIUM provides a deep dive into hands-on learning, encouraging thousands of kids to consider careers in technology and engineering. [View exhibit](https://botbkc.com/exhibits/the-burns-mcdonnell-engineerium?hsLang=en) [About Us](https://www.botbkc.com/about-us?hsLang=en) [Get More Info](https://www.botbkc.com/get-more-info?hsLang=en) [![Burns & McDonnell Foundation logo](https://1936845.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/1936845/Battle%20of%20the%20Brains%20Microsite/burnsmc-logo-lrg.png)](https://www.burnsmcd.com/about/social-responsibility/stem-commitment) [![Kansas City Science City logo](https://1936845.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/1936845/Battle%20of%20the%20Brains%20Microsite/sccity-logo.png)](https://sciencecity.unionstation.org/) [![Union Station logo](https://1936845.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/1936845/Battle%20of%20the%20Brains%20Microsite/us-logo-lrg.png)](https://unionstation.org/) There is no cost to participate in the competition and no purchase is necessary. © 2025 BOTBKC. All rights reserved.