This is a 3-pulley simple machine working model. It shows how pulleys reduce the amount of effort needed to lift a heavy object.
The movable pulley provides a mechanical advantage, and the fixed pulleys change the direction of force. Such systems are used in cranes, wells, and elevators.”
Materials Needed
- Cardboard (for base and vertical stand)
- Color paper (for decoration)
- Woolen thread or strong string
- 3 pulleys (you can use thread spools, toy wheels, or make pulleys with bottle caps and straws)
- Weights (small stones, washers, or coins in a cup)
- Glue, scissors, tape
- Paper cup or small container (to hold weights)
- Sketch pens or markers (for labeling)
How to Make Simple pulley working model
Step 1: Build the Stand
- Cut a sturdy cardboard base (around 25×25 cm).
- Make a vertical cardboard support (like an arch or a T-shape) and fix it to the base. This will hold the pulleys.
Step 2: Attach the Pulleys
- Use three pulleys and mount them one above the other or in a triangular arrangement:
- Top pulley fixed at the top of the stand
- Second pulley can be movable and tied to the load (demonstrating a movable pulley)
- Third pulley can redirect the string to your hand (optional, helps with direction of pull)
- You can use woolen thread to pass through the pulleys in this way:
- Tie one end of the thread to the weight container.
- Pass the thread through the movable pulley attached to the container.
- Then through the top fixed pulley, and finally through a side pulley (if using 3).
Step 3: Add the Weight
- Put stones, coins, or small items into the paper cup or container.
Step 4: Demonstrate!
- Pull the woolen thread and observe how much less effort is needed to lift the weight compared to lifting directly.