Today is an exciting day at the Fort! We’re moving a brand new telescope into the fort’s observatory. I can’t wait to use it tonight. But there’s a problem—the telescope is really heavy, and we need to get it all the way up there. I can lift the box, but carrying it up the stairs is too hard, and using a ladder isn’t safe. So, we need to find another way to move it!
Recently, we’ve been solving problems using simple machines. These are tools that make it easier to do work, like ramps and levers. For example, we used a ramp to move boxes of books and a lever to turn big rocks during our bug safari. Today, we’ll use another simple machine called a pulley to help with our telescope problem.
A pulley helps lift heavy things. The thing being lifted is called the load. A pulley has two main parts: a rope and a wheel. The wheel is special because it has a groove all around it where the rope fits. When you pull on the rope, the load goes up!
Let’s see how a pulley can help us with the telescope. First, we attach a pulley and rope above the fort’s window. Then, we attach one end of the rope to the telescope box. When we pull on the rope, the box moves up to the window, where we can safely grab it. It works, and it’s much easier than carrying the box up the stairs!
Pulleys aren’t just for big jobs like building skyscrapers or using elevators. They help with smaller tasks too. For example, you use a pulley when you open or close window blinds and curtains. Squeaks and I use a pulley every time we raise the flag on our fort’s flagpole. We clip the flag to the rope, pull down, and the flag goes up!
Now that the telescope is in place, it’s time to set it up and explore the sky. Thanks for helping us today! A big thanks to Google Making Science for supporting this episode. If you have questions about machines, telescopes, or anything else, ask a grownup to help you leave a comment or send an email to [email protected]. See you next time!
Build Your Own Pulley System: Gather some simple materials like a spool, string, and a small basket or cup. With the help of an adult, set up a mini pulley system by threading the string through the spool and attaching one end to the basket. Try lifting small objects like toy blocks or erasers. How does it feel compared to lifting them without the pulley? Discuss with a friend or family member how the pulley makes lifting easier.
Pulley Scavenger Hunt: Look around your home or school for examples of pulleys in action. Can you find any window blinds, flagpoles, or other items that use pulleys? Draw a picture of each pulley you find and explain how it helps make a task easier. Share your findings with your class or family.
Think and Share: Imagine you have a very heavy toy that you want to lift onto a high shelf. How would you use a pulley to help you? Draw a picture of your idea and explain it to a friend or family member. What other simple machines could you use to help with this task?
