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

    Christmas STEM Challenge – Pulley for the Elf

    November 10, 2018 By Emma Vanstone 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

    « Frosty the Snowman
    What is a Colloid? »

    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.

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