Class: Primary 6
Term: Third Term
Subject: Basic science & Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic technology
Previous Lesson: Types of pulleys in Pulley
Topic: Pulley as a Machine
Content/Learning Area: Simple fixed pulley, Materials and arrangement
Time Allocation: 40 Minutes
Performance Objectives
by the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive domain: List the materials needed to construct a simple fixed pulley.
- Affective Domain: Show interest in learning about simple machines.
- Psychomotor Domain: Arrange the materials to demonstrate a simple fixed pulley.
- Social Domain: collaborate with peers to discuss the uses of pulleys in everyday life.
Reference Materials
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Abuja Educational Resource Center Scheme of work
- NAPPS national Unified Scheme of Work
- Basic Science and Technology textbook for Primary 6
- Evans Basic Science and technology for Primary Schools, Book 6
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use the following materials: rope, a wheel with a groove, a sturdy support (like a hook or frame), and a weight to lift.
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding pulleys helps pupils grasp basic mechanical principles, fostering problem-solving skills applicable in various real-life scenarios.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have a basic understanding of simple machines and their uses.
lesson Content
Pulley as a Machine
A pulley is a simple machine that uses a grooved wheel and a rope to raise, lower, or move a load. It changes the direction of force, making it easier to lift heavy objects.
Simple Fixed Pulley
A simple fixed pulley has a wheel attached to a fixed point. The rope passes over the wheel, and when you pull down on one end of the rope, the load attached to the other end is lifted. It changes the direction of the force but does not reduce the amount of force needed.
Materials for a Simple Fixed Pulley
To construct a simple fixed pulley, the following materials are needed:
- Rope – Used to transmit the force.
- Wheel with a Groove – Provides a track for the rope to move along.
- Sturdy Support – Holds the pulley in place (e.g., a hook or frame).
- Weight – Represents the load to be lifted.
- Nails/Screws – To hold the support in place.
- Hammer – To drive in the nails.
- Measuring Tape – to measure the rope length.
- Pencil – To mark points for drilling or nailing.
- Drill (Optional) – To create holes for screws if needed.
Arrangement of Materials
The materials are arranged as follows:
- Secure the sturdy support to a fixed point.
- Attach the wheel with the groove to the support,ensuring it can rotate freely.
- Pass the rope over the wheel.
- Attach the weight to one end of the rope.
- Pull down on the other end of the rope to lift the weight.
Teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Description, Demonstration, Discussion, Visual Aids.
instructional Procedures
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher revises the previous lesson on simple machines and introduces the concept of a pulley by asking pupils if they have seen a pulley in use.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and share their experiences with pulleys.
Step 2: Defining the Pulley
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what a pulley is and its function as a simple machine.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and ask questions to clarify their understanding.
Step 3: Identifying Materials
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher lists and displays the materials needed to construct a simple fixed pulley.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the materials and list them in their notebooks.
Step 4: Demonstrating Arrangement
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: the teacher demonstrates how to arrange the materials to construct a simple fixed pulley.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and ask questions.
Step 5: Note-Taking
Time: 3 minutes
teaching skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to summarize the key points of the lesson in their notebooks.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils write down the key points in their notebooks.
Step 6: Evaluation/Review
Time: 2 minutes
teaching Skill: Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks questions to evaluate pupils’ understanding of the lesson.
Pupils’ Activity: pupils answer the teacher’s questions.
Objective-aligned checks:
- List the materials needed to construct a simple fixed pulley.
- Arrange the materials to demonstrate a simple fixed pulley.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching skill: Closure
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the lesson and assigns homework.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and note down the homework.
Lesson Keywords
- Pulley – A simple machine that uses a grooved wheel and a rope to lift or move loads.
- simple Fixed Pulley – A pulley with a wheel attached to a fixed point, changing the direction of force.
- Rope – Used to transmit force in a pulley system.
- Wheel – The grooved component of a pulley that the rope runs over.
- Support – The structure that holds the pulley in place.
- Load – The weight being lifted or moved by the pulley.
- Force – The effort applied to the rope to lift the load.
- Mechanical Advantage – The ratio of the load to the effort in a machine.
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- List the materials needed to construct a simple fixed pulley.
- Explain how a simple fixed pulley works.
- Describe the arrangement of materials in a simple fixed pulley.
Assignment/Homework
- Draw a diagram of a simple fixed pulley and label its parts.
- List three uses of pulleys in everyday life.
- Explain why pulleys are considered simple machines.
Differentiation
- for slower learners: Provide a pre-drawn diagram of a pulley and guide them in labeling the parts.
- For advanced learners: Challenge them to design a pulley system that reduces the amount of force needed to lift a load.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use visual aids, verbal explanations, and hands-on activities to cater to different learning styles.
Note for Teachers
Ensure all materials are readily available before the lesson. Supervise pupils closely during the demonstration to ensure safety. Encourage pupils to ask questions and participate actively in the lesson.

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