✓Lesson Snapshot
Student Objective
I can design and test a pulley system and explain how it changes force, distance, and mechanical advantage.
Main Activity
Build fixed and movable pulley systems, measure effort force, and compare how string path changes lifting performance.
Deliverable
Pulley system test notes and calculation evidence
Tools / Materials
Pulleys, string, spring scales, small payloads, VEX or classroom structure parts
1ProblemUnderstand the challenge and why it matters.
Payloads, doors, cables, and support systems may need to move smoothly and safely. Pulleys can redirect a force or reduce the effort needed to lift a load, but they also change the distance the input must move.
2ConceptLearn the engineering idea or skill.
A fixed pulley mainly changes direction. A movable pulley or compound pulley can provide mechanical advantage by distributing load across multiple rope segments.
3ApplyUse the skill in a guided task.
Test at least two pulley layouts. Measure the force needed to lift the same load and record how far the input string moves compared with the output motion.
4DocumentRecord your evidence and decisions.
Draw each pulley layout, label the load and effort force, record measurements, and explain which layout would best support a payload lift or deployment task.
5ReviewCheck quality and identify your next step.
Your final comparison should describe both benefit and tradeoff. A lower effort force usually requires a longer input distance.
Lesson Resources
Use these files and shared website resources when they support today’s work.
Engineering Graph Paper
Use for sketches, layouts, calculations, systems diagrams, and test planning.
Open ResourceEngineering Resource Library
Templates, reference sheets, sketch paper, and course support files.
Open Resource