• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Menu
  • Science Experiments For Kids
  • Science Fair Projects
  • Science Facts
  • Science Questions
  • About
    • Emma Vanstone
    • About Science Sparks
Science Experiments for Kids
Menu
  • STEM Challenges
    • STEM Challenges
    • FREE STEM Challenge Templates
  • Early Years Science
    • Preschool Science
    • Sensory and Messy Play
    • Understanding of the World
    • Pirate Science Experiments
  • Primary Science
    • Baking Soda Experiments
    • Candy Experiments
    • Biology
    • Climate Change for Kids
    • Coding for Kids
    • Chemistry
    • Electricity for Kids
    • Magic Science Experiments
    • Harry Potter Experiments
    • Human Body Science
    • Air Pressure Experiments
    • Life Cycles
    • LEGO Science Experiments
    • Kitchen Science
    • Famous Scientists
    • Forces and Motion
    • Science Sparks Snippets
    • Key Stage 1 Science
      • Animals
      • Everyday Materials
      • Plants
      • Coding Activities
      • Humans and Health
      • Fine Motor skills
      • Science and Literacy
    • Key Stage 2 Science
      • Animals, Including Humans
      • Electricity
      • Light
      • Plants
      • Materials and their Properties
  • Holiday Science
    • Christmas Science
    • Halloween Science
    • Easter Science
  • Storybook Themed Science Experiments
  • Wonderful Women in STEM
  • FREE Science Resources
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • FREE Experiments
  • Science for Kids
    • Kitchen Science
    • Climate Change
    • Egg Experiments
    • Fairy Tale Science
    • Edible Science
    • Human Health
    • Chemistry
    • Inspirational Women
    • Forces and Motion
  • Science Fair Projects
  • STEM Challenges
  • Science Sparks Books
  • Contact Science Sparks
  • Science Resources for Home and School

×
Home » Holiday Science » Christmas Science » Christmas STEM Challenge – Pulley for the Elf

Christmas STEM Challenge – Pulley for the Elf

Modified: Dec 13, 2022 · Published: Nov 10, 2018 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

What is a Pulley?

A pulley is made from one or more wheels with a rope looped over to make it easier to lift objects. The more wheels the pulley has, the easier it is to lift the load. We designed a very simple pulley system inside a cardboard box, but you could make yours much bigger.

Elf Pulley inside a cardboard box for a Christmas STEM challenge

How to make a pulley system

  • Thick string or rope
  • Small container or bucket if you want to make a bigger version.
  • Pulley or ribbon spool.
  • Small objects to lift

How to set up a pulley system

Attach a small container to the end of a piece of string or rope.

Thread the string through a suspended metal loop or over a pulley. Add enough Christmassy weight to the container so it is hard to lift by hand and pull up using the rope. You’ll need to scale this according to how strong your pulley is. Ours is just a model of a pulley rather than a helpful device.

Try again using a ribbon spool instead of a metal ring. Is it easier or harder to pull the container upwards this time?

Mini pulley system inside a cardboard box for an elf stem challenge.

Things to think about

How long does the string/rope need to be?

Is it easier to lift the bucket with or without the pulley?

What would happen if you use thicker or thinner string or rope?

Can you make a larger-scale version?

How would you change your design?

More pulley activities

Can you design a double pulley? Is it easier or harder to lift the attached object?

Try using smooth and rough rope; is one easier to pull than the other?

Links with English

Can you write a list of safety rules the elves should follow if they use a pulley in Santa’s workshop? 

Links to Maths

Place your items in order of how much they weigh, then in order of size. Does the order change much?

More Christmas Science Ideas

Have you seen these STEM Stocking Fillers?

Try these fun Christmas Science Activities or download our FREE Christmas Science eBook.

Christmas STEM Challenge - Make a pulley for the elves.

Affiliate links

Last Updated on December 13, 2022 by Emma Vanstone

More Christmas Science

  • Fireworks against a dark background
    Easy Science Activities for New Year
  • The Great Christmas Cookie Experiment
  • Balancing elf stem challenge
    Elf Balancing Toy STEM Challenge
  • skittle experiment in a candy cane shape
    Easy Christmas Candy Experiments

Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

Imagine a world where science education is accessible to everyone and is all about hands-on, exciting discoveries. That’s the world I want to create.

More about me

Around the World in 50 Experiments

50 experiments about countries of the world

Footer

↑ back to top

Science Sparks - FREE science experiments for kids

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Services
  • Media Kit
  • FAQ

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 Science Sparks - Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd