The Pulley Project: Building Wonder Through Simple Machines

How to build it

Create a pulley station using strong, smooth yarn and four circular hooks.

1. Remove the doors from a low closet (like we did) or small alcove.

2. Screw two hooks securely into the top beam of the opening — one on each side.

3. Add two more hooks along the top edge, spaced so the yarn can weave through smoothly.

4. Tie one end of the yarn to a fixed hook for winding, and loop it through the others to form a simple pulley line.

5. Hang a lightweight basket from the end.

Children can pull, wind, and release to move objects — blocks, loose parts, even soft toys — back and forth.

Why It Matters

A pulley turns ordinary play into discovery. It connects science, movement, and collaboration in a natural way. Children experiment with force, weight, balance, and problem-solving all through joyful play. When they design their own systems, they build early engineering thinking: “How can I make this easier?” They examine it, question it, test it and think about how it works.

Pulleys also spark social learning. One child sends, another receives. They negotiate, communicate, and share control. The motion itself is calming. A rhythm that invites focus and persistence.

This setup encourages creativity without instruction. It’s a beautiful example of how environment becomes the “third teacher”. A pulley is a simple structure that expands imagination, invites questions, and keeps children engaged for long periods.