MyLessonNote.com
Home › Basic Science › PRIMARY 6: BASIC SCIENCE – THIRD TERM | WEEK 3

PRIMARY 6: BASIC SCIENCE – THIRD TERM | WEEK 3

Updated April 20, 2026Basic Science, Primary 6, Third Term

TOPIC: SIMPLE MACHINES – PULLEYS

A: TEACHING AND LEARNING MATERIALS

  1. Pulley model.
  2. Rope.
  3. Small wheel with a groove.
  4. Bucket.
  5. Pictures of wells and cranes.
  6. Pulley-system chart.

B: REFERENCE MATERIALS

  1. Scheme of work.
  2. Recommended Basic Science textbook for Primary 6.
  3. Online educational resources.

C: PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE

The pupils have learnt about levers and know that simple machines help to reduce effort or change the direction in which force is applied.

D: PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

  1. Define a pulley.
  2. Identify the main parts of a pulley.
  3. Mention different types of pulleys.
  4. Explain a fixed pulley.
  5. Explain a movable pulley.
  6. Explain a compound pulley.
  7. State uses of pulleys.
  8. Explain how pulleys make work easier.

E: CONTENT

Meaning of a Pulley

A pulley is a simple machine consisting of a wheel with a groove through which a rope, belt or chain passes. It is used to lift or move loads.

Parts of a Pulley

A simple pulley has:

  1. A wheel.
  2. A groove.
  3. A rope or chain.
  4. A load.
  5. An effort.

Fixed Pulley

A fixed pulley is attached to a fixed support. It mainly changes the direction of the force. Example: 🪣 Drawing water from a well. Instead of lifting the bucket directly upward, the person can pull the rope downward.

Movable Pulley

A movable pulley moves together with the load. It helps reduce the effort required to lift a load.

Compound Pulley

A compound pulley combines fixed and movable pulleys. It makes lifting heavy objects easier.

Uses of Pulleys

Pulleys are used in:

  1. Wells.
  2. Cranes.
  3. Flagpoles.
  4. Elevators.
  5. Construction work.
  6. Some exercise equipment.

Advantages of Pulleys

Pulleys:

  1. Make lifting easier.
  2. Change the direction of force.
  3. Help move heavy loads.
  4. Reduce the effort required in some arrangements.

F: LESSON PRESENTATION

F1: Teachers’ Activities

  1. Displays a pulley model.
  2. Defines a pulley.
  3. Identifies the parts.
  4. Demonstrates a fixed pulley.
  5. Explains movable and compound pulleys.
  6. Shows pictures of pulley applications.
  7. Guides pupils in identifying the type of pulley being used.

F2: Pupils’ Activities

  1. Define a pulley.
  2. Identify pulley parts.
  3. Observe the demonstration.
  4. Mention types of pulleys.
  5. Explain uses of pulleys.
  6. Identify pulleys in everyday situations.

G: CONCLUSION

The teacher revises the types and uses of pulleys. Pupils are reminded that pulleys make work easier by changing the direction of force or reducing the effort required to lift loads.

H: EVALUATION GUIDE

Pupils should be able to answer the following questions:

  1. What is a pulley?
  2. Mention three parts of a pulley.
  3. What is a fixed pulley?
  4. What is a movable pulley?
  5. What is a compound pulley?
  6. Mention four places where pulleys are used.
  7. State two advantages of pulleys.