Summary Investigate with pulleys to find out how they change the direction of a force, and how multiple pulley systems can make work easier. Science content Physics: Motion and Forces, Newton’s Laws, Gravity (K, 2, 6) Physics: Simple and complex Machines (5) Activities in this lesson Pulley free play Pulleys: measuring forces in pulley systems Pulleys and water bottle to feel the forces Pulleys to lift a person or heavy load Pulleys to pull each other together Procedure A progression of activities that works well (with recommended substitutions): Pulley free play, for students to understand how pulleys rotate to move rope through them, making the rope move more easily than without a pulley (way less friction). They will also show how a pulley can change the direction of a force. They will get creative with multiple pulleys and make their own systems. Start adding more pulleys to show how they give a force advantage. Recommend measuring forces with counters, but could also just feel the forces with a desktop system. End with a dramatic demonstration of how multiple pulley systems lift a heavy load. Grades taught Gr K Gr 1 Gr 2 Gr 3 Gr 4 Gr 5 Gr 6 Gr 7
