Movement: Using a Pulley

We began a science project today. The board provided my classroom with a set of pulleys for students to experiment with. Pulleys are one of the basic "simple machines" which are defined by the following:

• they use human force
• they make work easier

The simple machines are: lever, ramp (inclined plane), wedge (two ramps back to back), and pulley.

Working with a partner, students will design a way to hold their pulley up off of their desk. Their design must be strong enough to hold the pulley firm while it lifts a load. As part of the learning, the students will experiment with different materials and methods of holding up the pulley.

You can support this project by providing some simple construction materials such as a cereal box that your child can bring to school. We will need these materials on Wednesday, Sept. 23 for our construction session.

For more information and interactive computer learning, check out http://www.edheads.org/activities/simple-machines/

Mr. B.