While it's true that moving the fulcrum closer to the load makes it easier to lift the load, you have to physically move the lever a greater distance. In this case, you're trading effort for distance. In the end, the amount of work you do is exactly the same. Students conduct a simple investigation. Students employ simple equipment and tools to gather data and extend the senses.
Students use data to construct a reasonable explanation of how levers work.
Students communicate investigations and explanations. Students discover that the position and motion of objects can be changed by pushing or pulling. The size of the change is related to the strength of the push or pull. Technological solutions have intended benefits and unintended consequences. Some consequences can be predicted, others cannot.