Class: Primary 6
Term: Third Term
subject: Basic Science & Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic Technology
Previous lesson: Pulley, Mounted pulleys and materials
Topic: pulley as a Machine
Content/Learning Area: Two fixed and two movable pulley, principles and operation
Time Allocation: 40 Minutes
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: Explain the principles and operation of fixed and movable pulleys.
- Affective Domain: Show interest in learning about simple machines and their applications.
- Psychomotor Domain: Demonstrate the use of fixed and movable pulleys.
- Social Domain: Collaborate with peers to discuss pulleys in action.
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.
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use the following materials: a fixed pulley, a movable pulley, rope, and a load.
Rationale for the Lesson
understanding pulleys helps pupils grasp basic mechanical principles, essential for everyday problem-solving and future technological studies.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have a basic understanding of simple machines and force.
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.Pulleys make work easier by changing the direction of force or reducing the amount of force needed.
Two Fixed Pulleys
A fixed pulley has its wheel attached to a stationary object. It changes the direction of the force but does not reduce the amount of force needed to lift the load.
Two Movable Pulleys
A movable pulley has its wheel attached to the load. it reduces the amount of force needed to lift the load, but the distance the rope must be pulled is increased.
Principles of Operation
- Fixed Pulley: Changes the direction of force. The force applied is equal to the weight of the load.
- Movable Pulley: reduces the force needed to lift the load. The force applied is half the weight of the load (ideally, neglecting friction and the weight of the pulley itself).
operation of Pulleys
- Fixed Pulley Operation:
– The rope is passed over the grooved wheel.
– One end of the rope is pulled down, which lifts the load attached to the other end.
- Movable Pulley Operation:
– One end of the rope is attached to a fixed point.
– The rope is passed under the movable pulley, which is attached to the load.- The other end of the rope is pulled up to lift the load.
Teaching methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Description, Demonstration, Discussion, Visual Aids, 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 reviews the previous lesson on simple machines and introduces the concept of pulleys by asking pupils if they have seen pulleys used in real life.Pupils’ Activity: Pupils recall the previous lesson and share their experiences with pulleys.
step 2: Explanation of Fixed Pulleys
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what a fixed pulley is, its function, and demonstrates how it works using a simple setup.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and ask questions to clarify their understanding.
Step 3: Explanation of Movable pulleys
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what a movable pulley is, its function, and demonstrates how it works using a simple setup.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and compare it with the fixed pulley.
Step 4: Group Activity: Pulley Demonstration
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides the class into groups and provides each group with a simple pulley setup to experiment with.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils work in groups to set up and use the pulleys,observing the differences in force required.
Step 5: note-Taking
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
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: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
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:
- Explain the principles and operation of fixed and movable pulleys.
- Demonstrate the use of fixed and movable pulleys.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of 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 that uses a grooved wheel and rope to change the direction or magnitude of a force.
- Fixed Pulley – A pulley with its wheel attached to a stationary object.
- Movable Pulley – A pulley with its wheel attached to the load.
- Force – A push or pull that can cause an object to move or change direction.
- Load – The object being lifted or moved by the pulley.
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- Explain the difference between a fixed and a movable pulley.
- Describe how a fixed pulley makes work easier.
- Describe how a movable 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 using a fixed pulley.
- Explain the advantages and disadvantages of using a movable pulley.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Provide simplified diagrams and hands-on demonstrations with more guidance.
- For advanced learners: Challenge them to design a pulley system that combines fixed and movable pulleys to lift a heavy object.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use visual aids, verbal explanations, and hands-on activities to cater to different learning styles.
Note for Teachers
Ensure that the pulley setups are safe and easy for pupils to handle.Emphasize the practical applications of pulleys in everyday life to make the lesson more engaging.

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