Class: Primary 6
Term: Third Term
Subject: Basic Science & Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic technology
Previous Lesson: Definition and components of Pulley
Topic: Pulley as a Machine
Content/learning Area: types of pulleys – fixed and movable
Time Allocation: 40 Minutes
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: Identify different types of pulleys.
- Affective Domain: Show interest in learning about simple machines.
- Psychomotor Domain: Demonstrate the use of pulleys.
- Social Domain: Collaborate with peers to apply pulleys in practical scenarios.
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: real pulleys (fixed and movable), ropes, weights, diagrams of pulley systems, and charts illustrating pulley types.
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding pulleys helps pupils grasp essential mechanical principles, enabling them to appreciate how simple machines ease everyday tasks and solve practical problems.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have prior knowledge 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 work easier.
Types of pulleys
Pulleys come in different forms, each with it’s unique advantages:
- Fixed pulley – A pulley that is attached to a stationary object. It changes the direction of the force but does not reduce the amount of force needed.
- Movable Pulley – A pulley that is attached to the load and moves along with it. It reduces the amount of force needed to lift the load but does not change the direction of the force.
- Compound Pulley – A system that combines fixed and movable pulleys to further reduce the force needed to lift a load.
- Single Pulley – A basic pulley system consisting of one wheel and a rope.
- Double Pulley – A pulley system with two wheels, often used to increase mechanical advantage.
- Multiple Pulley System – A system with several pulleys working together to lift heavy loads with less effort.
- Block and Tackle – A type of pulley system that uses multiple pulleys to provide a significant mechanical advantage.
- Conveyor Pulley – Used in conveyor belt systems to move materials horizontally or vertically.
Teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson,the teacher will adopt the following methods: Explanation,Demonstration,Visual Aids,Group Work,Discussion.
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 pulleys by showing a real-life example or a picture.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate by answering questions and observing the introductory materials.
Step 2: Defining Pulleys
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 for clarification.
Step 3: Identifying Fixed Pulleys
Time: 10 Minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates a fixed pulley system and explains its characteristics.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and identify the components of a fixed pulley.
Step 4: Exploring Movable pulleys
Time: 10 Minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates a movable pulley system, highlighting its advantages.Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and compare it with the fixed pulley system.
Step 5: Note-Taking
Time: 10 Minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to summarize the key points in their notebooks.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils write down the key points in their notebooks.
Step 6: Evaluation/Review
Time: 10 Minutes
Teaching Skill: Assessment
teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks questions to assess pupils’ understanding of the lesson.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer the questions to demonstrate their understanding.
Objective-aligned checks:
- Identify different types of pulleys.
- Demonstrate the use of pulleys.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 5 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 attached to a stationary object, changing the direction of force.
- Movable Pulley – A pulley attached to the load, reducing the force needed to lift it.
- Simple Machine – A device that makes work easier by changing the direction or magnitude of force.
- Load – The object being lifted or moved by the pulley.
- Effort – The force applied to the pulley system.
- Mechanical Advantage – The ratio of the load to the effort in a pulley system.
- Rope – A strong cord used with the pulley to transmit force.
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- Differentiate between a fixed and movable pulley.
- Explain how a pulley makes work easier.
- Give examples of where pulleys are used in everyday life.
Assignment/homework
- Draw a diagram of a fixed pulley and a movable pulley.
- Explain the advantages and disadvantages of each type of pulley.
- Find examples of pulleys used in your home or community and describe their function.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Provide simplified diagrams and hands-on activities with direct supervision.
- For advanced learners: Challenge them to design a compound pulley system and calculate its mechanical advantage.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use visual aids, verbal explanations, and hands-on demonstrations to cater to different learning styles.
Note for Teachers
Ensure that real-life examples of pulleys are used to enhance understanding. Encourage pupils to participate actively in demonstrations and discussions.

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