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Week 11 · Lift It

Build Day

Build Day: Lift-Off Lab
// A lever or pulley that lifts a small load
⏱ about 20 min

Build Day: Lift-Off Lab

Rulers, markers and spools cover the lab table.

"Lever or pulley, you choose," Rocket says.

Raven sets out cups with six coins each.

Nova hovers. "I will count the push coins for every lever."

Who can lift with the least effort?

  1. A lever turns on a point called a fulcrum.
  2. Load close to the fulcrum takes less effort.
  3. A simple pulley lets you pull down to lift up.
  4. Keep the load the same for a fair test.
◇ FAMILY LIFT-OFF LAB
Each team builds a lever with a ruler and a marker.
Put 6 coins in the load cup.
Count the push coins it takes to lift it.
Move the fulcrum and test again.
Bonus: build a spool pulley and lift the cup.
For a grown-up
Push the pencil through the spool for younger builders.
Keep the coin pile away from babies and toddlers.
Ask: where did you put the fulcrum, and why?
Safety first
Coins never go in mouths.
Keep faces away from ruler ends.
BUILD DAY CHECK
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
You want less effort. Where should the load go?
You pull down on a pulley string. What happens to the cup?
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