Lesson Planning

Teaching

• To investigate how levers work exploring how the position of fulcrum, load and effort impacts on use (Yr5&6).
• To investigate how pulleys work and how the number of pulleys used changes the effort required (Yr5&6).
• To draw diagrams that explain the forces, loads, weights and efforts for levers and pulleys (Yr5&6).

Activities

1. Complete a lever investigation, noting how the position of the fulcrum impacts on its effectiveness (Yr5&6)
2. Complete a pulley investigation noting the correlation between effort required & the number of pulleys (Yr5&6)
3. Draw diagrams showing the forces, loads, weights and efforts for levers and pulleys (Yr5&6)

Investigation
Lift an ‘Elephant’ Ride: levers and pulleys. The management wants a ride that uses levers and pulleys but doesn’t know the science of how to use them. Look at the various options and come up with some key patterns and explanations. (Exploring, Problem solving, Pattern seeking, Fair testing)
Years 5&6 - Complete a lever investigation, noting how the position of the fulcrum impacts on its effectiveness
Years 5&6 - Complete a pulley investigation noting the correlation between effort required & the number of pulleys
Years 5&6 - Draw diagrams showing the forces, loads, weights and efforts for levers and pulleys

Vocabulary
Variables, accuracy, precision, causal relationships, gravity, mechanisms, levers, pulleys, transfers, force