Title – Simple Machines Unit Lesson 8

By – Debbie Haren

Subject – Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts

Grade Level – 3/4

Simple Machines Unit Lesson 8:

Questions:

How does a pulley help us do work?

A pulley is a simple machine that uses grooved wheels and a rope to raise or lower a load. How can a flag move up and down a flagpole? Lets try it using a milk jug and a pulley and some rope.

Task:

Have students lift a milk jug with some dirt in it just attached to a rope. Have them write in their journal what that was like. Then have the students use a fixed pulley to move the jug. Have them write if that was easier or harder. Then have the students use a movable pulley. Have them write about that.

Discussion:

Which try took the least force?

Which try took the most force?

Conclusion:

Which pulley would you use to move a load? Why?

How does a pulley help us work?

Also the teacher can take students outside and observe the actual flag at their school being taken down and see a real pulley in action.

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Debbie Haren

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