a lever works like a see saw
Levers work because the lever pushes a platform that holds an object and the object comes up to where you want it (in some cases)
levers work by having a effort that lifts a load, and a fulcrum balances the two
the fulcrum lies between the effort and load the effort or force and makes it possible to perform the work
The load is the weight and the effort is the movment. The effort is the force applied, and load divided by effort is mechanical advantage.