Play With Pulleys
Nick and Sally have a problem: how can they get their trunk into the treehouse? By exploring a variety of simple machines, they learn that pulleys can help lift heavy objects.
Invite your child to join you in playing with pulleys to solve a problem. Grab some supplies and your curiosity as you learn about this simple machine together.
Materials
Directions
Ask your child to lift something heavy, like a stack of books, a bag of flour, or a gallon of milk. Can your child lift heavy things without help?
Ask your child to lift a heavy object like a gallon of milk using a piece of string that's tied to its handle. Make sure you tie the string securely to the object.
Set up two chairs back to back and slightly apart. Place a broom over the backs of the chairs and secure it with string. Have your child test the pulley by putting the string over a broom and pulling down.
Help your child lift heavy objects using the string and broom.
Invite your child to try lifting heavy objects by pulling down with the rope over the rolling pin. Ask your child, “How is the rolling pin different from the broomstick? Is it easier or harder to lift the objects using the rolling pin?”
Explore Further
Look out for pulleys in your house or outside on a walk. Point out flag poles, curtains, and construction sites to your child. Discuss what challenges the pulleys may be trying to solve and how they are similar or different from the challenge you presented as part of this activity.
Author: 
Science