Simple Machines: Pulleys

Ages 6–9 · 9 minutes · Science

A pulley to help play soccer? Hold on tight for another engineering adventure!

Pulleys can be used to lift heavy weights, but that's not their only use. Students will explore how pulleys redirect, amplify and transport forces. They will also consider examples from flagpoles to bicycle chains.

No specific background required.

Part of

Standards alignment

Common Core State Standards

Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions.
Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
Systems in the natural and designed world have parts that work together.
K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.

Alabama

SC23.K.1 — Plan and carry out investigations to determine the effects of forces of different strengths and directions on the motion of an object, including speed, direction, and distance traveled.
SC23.K.2 — Analyze data from investigations to determine whether a design solution provides sufficient force to change the speed or direction of an object.

Alaska

Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions.
Systems in the natural and designed world have parts that work together.
Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
Make predictions based on prior experiences.
K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.

Arizona

1.P3U1.3 — Plan and carry out investigations which demonstrate how equal forces can balance objects and how unequal forces can push, pull, or twist objects, making them change their speed, direction, or shape.
Systems in the natural and designed world have parts that work together.
Use tools and materials provided to design a device or solution to a specific problem.
Identify questions and make predictions based on prior experiences.

Arkansas

Each force acts on one particular object and has both strength and a direction. An object at rest typically has multiple forces acting on it, but they add to give zero net force on the object. Forces that do not sum to zero can cause changes in the object’s speed or direction of motion. (Boundary: Qualitative and conceptual, but not quantitative addition of forces are used at this level.)
Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions.
Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
A situation that people want to change or create can be approached as a problem to be solved through engineering. Such problems may have many acceptable solutions.

California

Apply scientific ideas to solve design problems.
Systems in the natural and designed world have parts that work together.
Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions.
Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
Each force acts on one particular object and has both strength and a direction. An object at rest typically has multiple forces acting on it, but they add to give zero net force on the object. Forces that do not sum to zero can cause changes in the object’s speed or direction of motion. (Boundary: Qualitative and conceptual, but not quantitative addition of forces are used at this level.)

Colorado

Systems in the natural and designed world have parts that work together.
PS2.A — Forces and Motion: Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions. Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
SC.K.1.1 — Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions, and can change the speed or direction of an object’s motion or start or stop it.
Use materials to design a device that solves a specific problem or a solution to a specific problem.

Connecticut

Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
Systems in the natural and designed world have parts that work together.
Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions.
Apply scientific ideas to solve design problems.
K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.

Delaware

Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions.
A situation that people want to change or create can be approached as a problem to be solved through engineering. Such problems may have many acceptable solutions.
Systems in the natural and designed world have parts that work together.
K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
K-PS2-2 — Analyze data to determine if a design solution works as intended to change the speed or direction of an object with a push or a pull.

Florida

SC.1.P.13.1 — Demonstrate that the way to change the motion of an object is by applying a push or a pull.
SC.2.P.13.1 — Investigate the effect of applying various pushes and pulls on different objects.
SC.1.P.12.1 — Demonstrate and describe the various ways that objects can move, such as in a straight line, zigzag, back-and-forth, round-and-round, fast, and slow.

Georgia

S4P3.c — Ask questions to identify and explain the uses of simple machines (lever, pulley, wedge, inclined plane, wheel and axle, and screw) and how forces are changed when simple machines are used to complete tasks.
S2P2.b — Design a device to change the speed or direction of an object.

Hawaii

Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions.
Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
Systems in the natural and designed world have parts that work together.
Apply scientific ideas to solve design problems.

Idaho

Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions. (K-PS-1.1, K-PS-1.2)
Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it. (K-PS-1.1, K-PS-1.2)
A situation that people want to change or create can be approached as a problem to be solved through engineering. Such problems may have many acceptable solutions. (K-PS-1.2)
K-PS-1.1 — Students who demonstrate understanding can: With guidance and support, plan and conduct an investigation to compare the effects of different strengths or different directions of pushes and pulls on the motion of an object.

Illinois

PS2.A-P1 — Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions.
PS2.A-P2 — Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
CEDS-E4 — Apply scientific ideas to solve design problems.
ETS1.A-P1 — A situation that people want to change or create can be approached as a problem to be solved through engineering.

Indiana

3.PS.2 — Identify types of simple machines and their uses. Investigate and build simple machines to understand how they are used.
4.PS.3 — Investigate how multiple simple machines work together to perform everyday tasks.
SEPS.6 — Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)

Iowa

Systems in the natural and designed world have parts that work together.
Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions.
Make predictions based on prior experiences.
Apply scientific ideas to solve design problems.
Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.

Kansas

Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
Systems in the natural and designed world have parts that work together.
Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions.
K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
Make predictions based on prior experiences.

Kentucky

Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions.
Systems in the natural and designed world have parts that work together.
A situation that people want to change or create can be approached as a problem to be solved through engineering. Such problems may have many acceptable solutions.
Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.

Louisiana

Use tools and/or materials to design and/or build a device that solves a specific problem or a solution to a specific problem.
Systems in the natural and designed world have parts that work together.
K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
K-PS2-2 — Analyze data to determine if a design solution works as intended to change the speed or direction of an object with a push or a pull.

Maine

Make predictions based on prior experiences.
Systems in the natural and designed world have parts that work together.
K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
K-PS2-2 — Analyze data to determine if a design solution works as intended to change the speed or direction of an object with a push or a pull.

Maryland

DCI.PS2.A.K-2.1 — Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions.
DCI.PS2.A.K-2.2 — Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
CCC.4.K-2.1 — Systems in the natural and designed world have parts that work together.
SEP.6.3-5.4 — Apply scientific ideas to solve design problems.

Massachusetts

K-PS2-1 — Compare the effects of different strengths or different directions of pushes and pulls on the motion of an object.

Michigan

K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
K-PS2-2 — Analyze data to determine if a design solution works as intended to change the speed or direction of an object with a push or a pull. Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems: Animals, Plants, and Their

Minnesota

0P.2.2.1.1 — Identify and describe patterns that emerge from the effects of different strengths or different directions of pushes and pulls on the motion of an object. (P: 5, CC: 2, CI: PS2)
0P.4.1.1.1 — Construct an argument supported by evidence for whether a design solution works as intended to change the speed or direction of an object with a push or a pull.* (P: 7, CC: 2, CI: PS2, ETS1)
3.2.2 — Students will be able to use their understanding of scientific principles and the engineering design process to design solutions that meet established criteria and constraints.*
2P.2.2.1.1 — Identify and predict quantitative patterns of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object. (P: 5, CC: 1, CI: PS2)

Mississippi

P.2.6.1 — Conduct a structured investigation to collect, represent, and analyze data from observations and measurements to demonstrate the effects of pushes and pulls with different strengths and directions. Communicate findings (e.g., models or technology).
P.3.6.1 — Compare and contrast the effects of different strengths and directions of forces on the motion of an object (e.g., gravity, polarity, attraction, repulsion, or strength).

Missouri

4.PS3.C.1 — Use models to explain that simple machines change the amount of effort force and/or direction of force.
Apply scientific ideas to solve design problems.
Systems in the natural and designed world have parts that work together.

Montana

constructing explanations as it applies to science and designing solutions as it applies to engineering
K-PS2-2 — analyze data to determine whether a design solution works as intended to change the speed or direction of an object with a push or a pull;
K-PS2-1 — plan and conduct an investigation to compare the effects of different strengths or different directions of pushes and pulls on the motion of an object;

Nebraska

Apply scientific ideas to solve design problems.
Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions.
SC.K.1.1.B — Analyze data to determine if a design solution works as intended to change the speed or direction of an object with a push or a pull.

Nevada

Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions.
Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
Apply scientific ideas to solve design problems.
Systems in the natural and designed world have parts that work together.
K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.

New Hampshire

Each force acts on one particular object and has both strength and a direction. An object at rest typically has multiple forces acting on it, but they add to give zero net force on the object. Forces that do not sum to zero can cause changes in the object’s speed or direction of motion. (Boundary: Qualitative and conceptual, but not quantitative addition of forces are used at this level.)
Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions.
Apply scientific ideas to solve design problems.
Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.

New Jersey

Systems in the natural and designed world have parts that work together.
Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions.
Apply scientific ideas to solve design problems.

New Mexico

Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions.
Make predictions based on prior experiences.
Systems in the natural and designed world have parts that work together.
Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.

New York

Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions.
Make predictions based on prior experiences.
Systems in the natural and designed world have parts that work together.
Apply scientific ideas to solve design problems.

North Carolina

PS.3.2.1 — Carry out investigations to infer changes in speed or direction resulting from forces acting on an object.
PS.3.2 — Understand motion and factors that affect motion.

North Dakota

Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions.
A situation that people want to change or create can be approached as a problem to be solved through engineering.
K-2-ET1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information to define a simple problem (a situation people want to change) that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
Each force acts on one particular object and has both strength and a direction. An object at rest typically has multiple forces acting on it, but they add to give zero net force on the object. Forces that do not sum to zero can cause changes in the object’s speed or direction of motion.

Ohio

2.PS.1 — Forces change the motion of an object.
1.PS.2 — Objects can be moved in a variety of ways, such as straight, zigzag, circular and back and forth.

Oklahoma

Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions. (K.PS2.1, K.PS2.2)
Apply scientific ideas to solve design problems. (4.PS3.4)
A situation that people want to change or create can be approached as a problem to be solved through engineering. (K.PS2.2)
Pushing and pulling on an object can change the speed or directions of its motion and can start or stop it. (K.PS2.1, K.PS2.2)
Systems in the natural and designed world have parts that work together. (K.ESS2.2, K.ESS3.1)

Oregon

1.ETS1.1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool. [Clarification Statement: Identifying a problem or need is necessary before designing a solution. For example, students can describe desired features or tools to solve a simple problem.][assessment boundary: assessment does not include information regarding constraints (restraints or limitations).]
K.PS2.1 — Plan and conduct an investigation to compare the effects of different strengths or different directions of pushes and pulls on the motion of an object. [Clarification Statement: Examples of pushes or pulls could include a string attached to an object being pulled, a person pushing an object, a person stopping a rolling ball, and two objects colliding and pushing on each other.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment is limited to different relative strengths or different directions, but not both at the same time. Assessment does not include non-contact pushes or pulls such as those produced by magnets.]
K.PS2.2 — Analyze data to determine if a design solution works as intended to change the speed or direction of an object with a push or a pull. [Clarification Statement: Examples of problems requiring a solution could include having a marble or other object move a certain distance, follow a particular path, and knock down other objects. Examples of solutions could include tools such as a ramp to increase the speed of the object and a structure that would cause an object such as a marble or ball to turn.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include friction as a mechanism for change in speed.]

Pennsylvania

3.5.3-5.BB — Illustrate how, when parts of a system are missing, it may not work as planned.
3.5.3-5.DD — Demonstrate how simple technologies are often combined to form more complex systems.
3.5.3-5.L — Demonstrate how tools and machines extend human capabilities, such as holding, lifting, carrying, fastening, separating, and computing.
Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions.
3.5.3-5.N — Identify why a product or system is not working properly.
3.5.K-2.Z — Illustrate how systems have parts or components that work together to accomplish a goal.

Rhode Island

Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions.
Systems in the natural and designed world have parts that work together.
K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
Each force acts on one particular object and has both strength and a direction. An object at rest typically has multiple forces acting on it, but they add to give zero net force on the object. Forces that do not sum to zero can cause changes in the object’s speed or direction of motion. (Boundary: Qualitative and conceptual, but not quantitative addition of forces are used at this level.)

South Carolina

K-PS2-2.DCI.A: — Forces and Motion Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions. Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it. NRC Framework Link
K-PS2-2. — Analyze data to determine if a design solution works as intended to change the speed or direction of an object with a push or a pull. Clarification Statement: Emphasis on exploration-based play as a means to test objects or tools to determine if they work as intended. Examples of solutions could include tools such as a ramp to increase the speed of the object or a structure that would cause an object, such as a marble or ball, to turn. State Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include friction as a mechanism for change in speed.
K-PS2-2.ETS1.A: — Defining and Delimiting an Engineering Problem A situation that people want to change or create can be approached as a problem to be solved through engineering. Such problems may have many acceptable solutions. NRC Framework Link
3-PS2-1.DCI.A: — Forces and Motion Each force acts on one particular object and has both strength and a direction. An object at rest typically has multiple forces acting on it, but they add to give zero net force on the object. Forces that do not sum to zero can cause changes in the object’s speed or direction of motion. NRC Framework Link

South Dakota

Systems in the natural and designed world have parts that work together.
Comparing and contrasting the effect of pushes and pulls in various directions and magnitudes on the motion of an object. Designing a solution to influence speed and direction change for various objects.
K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.

Tennessee

2.PS2.2 — Evaluate the effects of different strengths and directions of a push or a pull on the motion of an object.
2.PS2.1 — Analyze the push or the pull that occurs when objects collide or are connected.
2.PS2.3 — Recognize the effect of multiple pushes and pulls on an object's movement or non-movement.
3.ETS2.1 — Identify and demonstrate how technology can be used for different purposes.
2.ETS1.1 — Define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool by asking questions, making observations, and gather accurate information about a situation people want to change.

Texas

1.7A — explain how pushes and pulls can start, stop, or change the speed or direction of an object's motion; and
3.6B — demonstrate and observe how position and motion can be changed by pushing and pulling objects such as swings, balls, and wagons; and
3.7A — demonstrate and describe forces acting on an object in contact or at a distance, including magnetism, gravity, and pushes and pulls; and
2.1B — use scientific practices to plan and conduct simple descriptive investigations and use engineering practices to design solutions to problems;

Utah

K.3.2 — Analyze data to determine how a design solution causes a change in the speed or direction of an object with a push or a pull. Define the problem by asking questions and gathering information, convey designs through sketches, drawings, or physical models, and compare and test designs. Examples of problems requiring a solution could include having a marble or other object move a certain distance, follow a particular path, or knock down other objects. (PS2.A, PS2.B, PS2.C, PS3.C, ETS1.A, ETS1.B, ETS1.C)
Students construct explanations about the world and design solutions to problems using observations that are consistent with current evidence and scientific principles.
K.3.1 — Plan and conduct an investigation to compare the effects of different strengths or different directions of forces on the motion of an object. Emphasize forces as a push and pull on an object. The idea of strength should be kept separate from the idea of direction. Non-contact forces, such as magnets and static electricity, will be taught in Grades 3 through 5. (PS2.A, PS2.B, PS2.C, PS3.C)

Vermont

Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions.
Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
A situation that people want to change or create can be approached as a problem to be solved through engineering. Such problems may have many acceptable solutions.
Systems in the natural and designed world have parts that work together.
Apply scientific ideas to solve design problems.

Virginia

3.2.c — Simple machines increase or change the direction of a force.
3.2.d — Simple and compound machines have many applications.
3.1.d.iii — Describe how scientific ideas apply to design solutions.

Washington

Pushing or pulling on an object can change the speed or direction of its motion and can start or stop it.
A situation that people want to change or create can be approached as a problem to be solved through engineering. Such problems may have many acceptable solutions.
Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions.
Systems in the natural and designed world have parts that work together.
K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.

Washington, D.C.

Systems in the natural and designed world have parts that work together.
Use tools and/or materials to design and/or build a device that solves a specific problem or a solution to a specific problem.
Make predictions based on prior experiences.
K-2-ETS1-1 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
K-PS2-2 — Analyze data to determine if a design solution works as intended to change the speed or direction of an object with a push or a pull.

West Virginia

Building and appropriately using science domain vocabulary and phrases
Investigating and explaining cause and effect
Constructing explanations and designing solutions
S.K.2 — Analyze data to determine if a design solution works as intended to change the speed or direction of an object with a push or a pull.*
S.1.10 — Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.

Wisconsin

Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions, and can change the speed or direction of an object’s motion, or start or stop it. A bigger push or pull makes things speed up or slow down more quickly.
Students use evidence and ideas in designing solutions. This includes the following: Use tools and materials to design and/or build a device that solves a specific problem or a solution to a specific problem. Generate and compare multiple solutions to a problem.

Wyoming

Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions, and can change the speed or direction of its motion or start or stop it.
K-PS2-2 — Analyze data to determine if a design solution works as intended to change the speed or direction of an object with a push or a pull.
SS2.4.2 — Identify tools and technologies, including those of Indigenous Tribes of Wyoming, that made or make life easier and sustainable (e.g., cars for getting one place to another, washing machines for washing clothes, flashlights to see in the dark, and usage of bison and natural resources). 2.MD.7 – 8 K-2-ETS1-1 – ETS1-3
Describe how specific images (e.g., a diagram showing how a machine works) support a scientific or engineering idea.