What is a Pulley?

A PULLEY is a simple machine with  a cord or rope moving around it.

A pulley is used to lift or pull

Examples of objects that use a pulley: flagpole, mini-blind, exercise equipment, heavy machinery

 

Videos about Pulleys

How Pulleys Work

Mad Scientist Simple Machines - Part 3

The Pulley and How Pulleys Work

Websites about Pulleys

http://www.mikids.com/SMachinesPulleys.htm

http://www.historyforkids.org/scienceforkids/physics/machines/pulley.htm

Pulley Activities

Activity 1

Materials

 

• pulley (can be bought at a hardware store ... cost approx. $2.00)
• rope/heavy duty string
• plastic jug with water or other item to pull
• hook or other place to hang the pulley

Directions

• Find a place to attach/hang your pulley (I used the back of a closet door with a hook.
• Thread the rope/string through the pulley.
• Attach the pulley to your hook.
• Tie one end of the rope/string tightly to your plastic jug handle.
• Pull on the end of the rope that is not attached to the plastic jug.(Your jug should move up.) 

Activities  2 - 5

• Brainstorm and list as many machines as you can think of that use a pulley.
• Sketch and label some of these machines.
• Go on a scavenger hunt to find pulleys: in the classroom, home, school, or neighborhood. Take pictures and /or sketch pictures of the machines with pulleys.
• Make a poster of machines with pulleys.
• Explain how a pulley works (oral or written).

Have fun with simple machines!