Class: Primary 6
Term: Third Term
Subject: Basic science & Technology
Curriculum Theme: basic Technology
Previous Lesson: Pulley, Fixed pulley materials and setup
Topic: Pulley as a Machine
Content/Learning Area: Construction and operation of simple fixed pulley
Time Allocation: 40 Minutes
performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: Explain the construction and operation of a simple fixed pulley.
- Affective Domain: Show interest in learning about simple machines and their applications.
- Psychomotor Domain: Construct a simple fixed pulley.
- Social Domain: Collaborate with peers to list applications of pulleys.
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, UBE edition, Book 6
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use the following materials: rope, wheel, stand, load, and a diagram of a pulley system.
Rationale for the lesson
Understanding pulleys helps pupils appreciate simple machines and their role in making work easier, fostering practical skills and technological awareness.
prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have prior knowledge of simple machines like levers and inclined planes.
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.
Construction of a Simple Fixed Pulley
A simple fixed pulley consists of a wheel with a groove around its circumference, a rope that fits into the groove, and a support to hold the wheel in place. The wheel is fixed in position and does not move up or down with the load.
Operation of a Simple Fixed Pulley
To operate a simple fixed pulley, a rope is placed in the groove of the wheel. One end of the rope is attached to the load, and the other end is pulled to lift the load. the pulley changes the direction of the force, allowing the user to pull down on the rope to lift the load up.
Applications of Pulleys
Pulleys are used in various applications to make work easier. Some common applications include:
- Construction Sites – lifting heavy materials like bricks and cement.
- Elevators – Raising and lowering elevator cars in buildings.
- Cranes – Lifting heavy objects in factories and ports.
- Flagpoles – raising and lowering flags.
- window blinds – Raising and lowering window blinds.
- Clotheslines – Hanging and retrieving clothes.
- Gym Equipment – Providing resistance in weightlifting machines.
- Theaters – Lifting and lowering curtains and stage equipment.
Teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Description, Presentation, Discussion, group Work.
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 topic of pulleys by asking pupils if they have seen a pulley before and where.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and share their experiences with pulleys.
Step 2: Explanation of Pulley
Time: 10 Minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what a pulley is, its components, and how it works, using a diagram.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and ask questions for clarification.
Step 3: Demonstration of Pulley Construction
Time: 10 Minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to construct a simple fixed pulley using available materials.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and participate in the construction process.
Step 4: Group Work: Listing Applications
Time: 10 Minutes
Teaching skill: Group Work
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides the class into groups and asks them to list different applications of pulleys in their environment.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils work in groups to brainstorm and list applications of pulleys.
Step 5: Note-Taking
Time: 3 Minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: the teacher guides pupils to write short notes on the topic in their notebooks.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils write notes 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:
- Explain the construction and operation of a simple fixed pulley.
- Construct a simple fixed pulley.
- Collaborate with peers to list applications of pulleys.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 2 Minutes
Teaching Skill: Closure
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the lesson and previews the next topic.Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and ask any remaining questions.
Lesson Keywords
- Pulley – A simple machine with a grooved wheel and rope used to lift or move loads.
- Fixed Pulley – A pulley that is attached to a fixed point and changes the direction of force.
- Load – The object being lifted or moved by the pulley.
- Rope – The flexible material used to transmit force in a pulley system.
- Groove – The channel in the wheel that holds the rope.
- Simple Machine – A basic mechanical device that makes work easier.
- Construction – The process of building or assembling somthing.
- Operation – The way something functions or works.
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- Explain what a pulley is and how it works.
- Describe the construction of a simple fixed pulley.
- List five applications of pulleys in everyday life.
Assignment/Homework
- Draw a diagram of a simple fixed pulley and label its parts.
- Research and write about different types of pulleys and their uses.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Provide simplified diagrams and hands-on assistance during the construction activity.
- For advanced learners: Challenge them to design a pulley system that can lift heavier loads.
- 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 available before the lesson. Supervise the construction activity closely to ensure safety. Encourage pupils to ask questions and participate actively in the lesson.

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