TryEngineering.org: Discover the creative engineer in you. Accreditation.org: The ultimate resource for engineering, computing and technology accreditation. TryNano.org: Nanotechnology for a wider audience. IEEE Spark IEEE TryComputing  
       TryEngineering Home > Lesson Plans > Lesson Plan Detail
Discover the creative engineer in you
Lesson Plans
Lesson Plan Survey
Sponsored by IBM, IEEE, and TryScience
Pulleys and ForceBookmark and Share
  Download Text Version of Worksheet
(Full teacher resource documents are included in the PDF)

Lesson Focus
Lesson focuses on the concept of force and the use of pulleys to reduce required force.

Lesson Synopsis

The Pulleys and Force activity explores the concept of force and shows how pulleys are used in everyday life to make work easier. Students learn about different uses for pulleys, the impact of multiple pulleys, and identify pulley use in school and their community. Students test the ability to move weights using one, two and three pulleys in a series.

Age Levels:   8-11

Objectives
  • Learn about pulleys and pulley systems.
  • Learn how using multiple pulleys can dramatically reduce required force.
  • Learn how pulley systems are used in machines and impact everyday life.
  • Learn about teamwork and problem solving in groups.

Anticipated Learner Outcomes

As a result of this activity, students should develop an understanding of:
  • pulleys
  • force
  • work reduction
  • problem solving
  • teamwork



Lesson Activities

Students learn how pulleys work, and explore how multiple pulleys used in sequence can reduce required force to move an object. Topics examined include force, pulleys, and problem solving. Students work in teams to design a pulley system to require the least amount of force to move a weight.

Resources/Materials

  • Teacher Resource Documents (attached)
  • Student Resource Sheet (attached)
  • Student Worksheets (attached)


Download an adaptable PowerPoint presentation for use with this lesson. (PPT, 4.06 MB)

Alignment to Curriculum Frameworks

Curriculum alignment sheet is included in PDF.

Categories

Engineering Design, Motion And Forces, Simple Machines

Take Survey

home about contact us sitemap disclaimer disclaimer disclaimer parentsguardians