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Grades K–2 · Machines

How do scissors move their two blades?

Scissors have two joined halves. Each half has a handle at one end and a blade at the other. A small joint called a pivot holds the halves together.

M28 visual explanationThe shared pivot stays fixed while the two blades change their opening. The pictured scissors are middle. The image explains movement, not a cutting activity.Two blades turn around one pivotBladesHandlesPivotOpening the handles separates the blades

In the diagramTwo blades turn around one pivotBladesHandlesPivotOpening the handles separates the blades

The scissors are partly open. Both halves turn around the same pivot, linking handle movement to blade movement.

The halves turn around that pivot. When the handles move apart, the blades open too. When the handles come together, the blade edges move closely past each other.

Material between the moving edges can be cut as they pass. The pivot keeps the halves joined while letting them turn. The handles move the blades because they belong to those same two halves.

About this explanation

Starting knowledge: Recognize open and closed positions and a part that turns.

Sources

  • Smithsonian National Museum of American History — Scissors
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