Simple Machines for Kids: Levers and Pulleys

This #ProjectAmazing post is sponsored by #CollectiveBias, Inc. and its advertiser. Use Command™ hooks to create a pulley board and explore simple machines for kids. Learn about levers and pulleys with this easy to create project.

Simple Machines for Kids: Levers and Pulleys

I’m calling our creation a pulley board because it works similarly to a pulley. Although the simple machine is probably more accurately a lever. A pulley is a type of lever. More about the science a bit later.

How to Build the Pulley Board

You’ll need Command™ hooks and a piece of wood or foam board. I found our Command™ clear hooks at Walmart in the craft aisle. Check out more amazing summer projects from 3M.

I chose the mini hooks and the small hooks for the pulley board.

My son (age 5.5) helped me arrange the hooks on the board. We placed some of the hooks upside down to allow the string to weave through the hooks.

We followed directions for attaching the hooks to the foam board and waited for the adhesive to set.

The next step step was to add our bucket and string.

First we tested one hook combination. Pulling the string down raised the bucket up.

Experimenting with the Pulley Board

After trying one hook combination, I had Aiden place the string through different hooks.

We continued testing different combinations of hooks.

Then, it was time to add weight. Aiden dropped a handful of rocks into the bucket and lifted it by the handle. Then, he lifted the buck by pulling on the string. Which was easier?

Aiden continued adding rocks to the bucket and lifting the bucket with the pulley board until the bucket was too heavy.

What We Learned

It’s easier to lift a heavy load using a pulley system than on your own.

The more hooks we used, the more difficult it was to pull the string. This is due to the friction between the string and the hook. This is why pulleys have wheels. It reduces the friction and makes it easier for the string/rope to move through the system and pull the weight.

See the pulley board in action.

We created a pulley board to learn about simple machines. Change the direction of the string or add weight and observe what happens. Learn more in the sponsored post #ontheblog today. #ProjectAmazing #ad #playfulscience #scienceforkids #kidbloggersofIG #momsoninstagram #kbnkids

A video posted by Trisha (@inspire_labs) on Jul 13, 2015 at 1:02pm PDT

The Science Behind Levers and Pulleys

Simple machines are usually divided into two types: inclined planes (ramps, screws, wedges) and levers (levers, wheel and axle, pulleys). A lever is a bar that rests on a turning point (or pivot). Levers can help you lift objects. A pulley is also used to lift objects. Instead of a bar and a pivot point, a pulley consists of a rope and a wheel.

More Physics Experiments for Kids

• Combine a lever and an inclined plane to invent a bouncy ball machine.
• Build a cookie delivery Rube Goldberg machine.
• Explore kinetic energy by creating a refrigerator marble run.
• Try 20 more preschool physics experiments.