Learning Through Play: Pulley System Fun
The kindy children recently dived into the world of STEM through the activity of pulling a bucket of water using a rope as a pulley system. Through this hands-on experience, the children learned about the principles of force and motion, while engaging in problem-solving and teamwork. It was amazing to see their faces light up as they persisted and realised how a simple system could make heavy lifting a much easier job!
Not only did this activity spark their curiosity about how things work, but it also encouraged them to think critically, ask questions, and develop confidence. As Educators, we support the children’s learning process by providing environments with appropriate levels of challenge where they’re encouraged to explore, experiment, and take appropriate risks in their learning.
So, how do you create your own bucket and rope ‘pulley’ contraption in your backyard?
What you need:
- Rope
- Bucket
- Tree branch (or a sturdy beam or frame)
- Various objects to use as weights (for example, seedpods, sticks, sand, water, toys)
Method:
- Begin the activity with a story or a simple explanation of how people in various professions use pulleys to make lifting objects easier. You could also share pictures of pulleys being used in real life – for example, in wells or at construction sites.
- Set up your pulley system by tying one end of a rope to your bucket and toss the other end of the rope over a tree branch.
- Raise and lower the bucket to demonstrate what happens if you pull it fast, slow, or let go.
- Agree on some rules together for how we can play with pulleys safely. For example, countdown from three before letting go of the rope.
- Experiment with different objects with varying weights, adding a little more each time and asking questions to hypothesise what might happen. Children enjoy the physical challenge of problem-solving and ‘eureka’ moments.
