Lift the Load: How Does a Pulley Help You Lift a Heavy Crate?
Sim Lesson
Students use the Lift the Load simulation to lift a crate with different pulleys and counterweights, discovering that a stronger pulley lifts the same load with fewer weights. Lesson Purpose Students often think a heavier object always needs more force to move. Comparing pulleys shows that a simple machine can lower the force (fewer weights) needed to lift the same load.
Lifting a heavy crate straight up is hard. Machines called pulleys can make it easier. How does a pulley change how much lifting power you need? In this lesson, you will use the Lift the Load simulation to lift a crate with a pulley and counterweights, then switch pulleys to compare.
Topics and standards: Science, Energy, Physics, Mechanical Energy, Simulation, Forces & Motion, Engineering & Design, Grades 3-5, Forces, Engineering, 3-PS2-1, 4-ETS1-1, 3-5-ETS1-1, SC.5.P.13.1, TEKS Science 5.7.B, 3.2.3.B