Engineering is a big part of science, so a simple machine project with a pulley was the perfect addition to our DIY summer science camp.
I had originally planned an afternoon of building with a bag full of goodies to inspire tinkering, but it turned into a playful session with a pulley. What I love about this STEM activity idea is that a pulley will inspired open-ended play exploration for all ages, not just a five year old!
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The pulley is one of the 6 simple machines. (Before you head off to Google... the others are lever, wedge, wheel and axel, inclines plane, and screw.) The pulley is a delightfully entertaining first engineering science project for young kids. I absolutely loved how long my child stayed engaged with such a simple activity. I like to think he was learning a lot, too!
What you need
- Wheel, we used a pulley wheel like this one
- Ceiling hook
- Rope or string
- Something to tie onto the rope
- A curious kid
Set Up
If you don't already have a hook in your ceiling (we had some for hanging plants), insert the hook in an appropriate location, using an anchor if necessary.
Next, thread a long length of rope through the pulley. I suggest using a length of rope that is double the height of the pulley to the floor.
Hang the pulley from the hook. and tie something to one end of the rope. I suggest something lightweight. A toy like an action figure will provide a lot of entertainment!
I from a hook in our window and we tied a stick to one end. I just happened to have a jar of sticks in the window (I know, that's sort of weird) and it seemed like a good idea. The stick acted as a sort of make shift handle and also prevented my son from pulling the rope all the way off the wheel.
He also liked to put finger puppets on the end of the stick!
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Explorations
For you, the parent, the best way to utilize a pulley is to sit back and let your child explore on their own. They will discover how best to prevent the rope coming off the pulley (you might have to help put it back on once or twice). They will learn about the effect on the rope of hauling objects of different weights.
My child played with the pulley for a really long time! He loved pulling it back and forth, trying to reach the other end, etc. We had two different wheel sizes and experimented with tried both, and also tied a stick to each end, not just one.
Plus, the classic way to use a pulley is with a bucket!
Later on, we tied a bucket to the string and, standing out on the fire escape, we lowered a bag of cookies to our neighbors in their backyard. I see more special deliveries in our future!
Who knew a pulley could be such fun?
See all our DIY Science Camp ideas!
On this blog: Ice cube on a string, Solar oven, Homemade compass, Balloon rocket race, Leak proof bag, Simple science lab
At Coffee Cups and Crayons: Mentos geyser, Dancing raisins, Liquid layers, Homemade silly putty, Magic milk, Exploding baggie, Walking water
Ana says
ummmm....this is rad! I love pulleys!
Erica MomandKiddo says
We do too!
Ann says
At the Boston Museum of Science they have a simple machine set up where you can lift a one ton weight, always fascinates me. It would be fun to attach a cup and put a guy in it and turn it into an elevator.
Erica MomandKiddo says
I actually ended up setting up another pulley with a cup at each end and it has been a hit!
Natalie PlanetSmartyPants says
This is rather cool. I didn't know that you can buy a pulley wheel at the hardware store!