Levers, pulleys and gears
Pupil resources for this lesson. Use these sheets alongside the matching slideshow.
GROW Science Autumn1 W4A Mechanisms Pupil
PUPIL WORKSHEET
Levers, pulleys and gears
Autumn 1 · Week 4 · Lesson A
Name: ____________________________ Date: __________________
Name levers, pulleys and gears, identify a lever pivot and explain the force-distance trade-off without claiming extra energy.
Explore three mechanisms. Point, speak, draw or write. Today's lever comparison is an adult demonstration; your own directed or practical comparison is Tuesday.
1. Find and explain a pivot
Use safe scissors or a drawing. Point to the turning point and name it. Then sketch the adult's simple lever and label EFFORT, PIVOT and LOAD.
The turning point is called ___.
On a wheelbarrow drawing, the turning point is ___.
Sketch and label the lever below.
PUPIL TASK / Autumn 1 · Week 4 · Lesson A
2. Name the mechanism and job
Write, draw, point or dictate as agreed with your teacher.
Classify each example. Say or write where it turns, or how it changes movement. A mechanism does not always reduce the force needed.
| Example | Mechanism | Turning point or change |
| Wheelbarrow | ||
| Scissors | ||
| Spanner on a bolt | ||
| Flagpole rope over top wheel | ||
| Bicycle chain and cogs |
PUPIL TASK / Autumn 1 · Week 4 · Lesson A
3. Sort gains and costs
Write, draw, point or dictate as agreed with your teacher.
Choose GAIN, COST, NEITHER or GAIN AND COST. Explain one choice. Always relate a benefit to the intended job.
| Claim | Your category |
| Less effort force needed | |
| Hand travels farther | |
| Pull down instead of up | |
| Mechanism creates extra energy | |
| Slower turning, greater turning effect |
PUPIL TASK / Autumn 1 · Week 4 · Lesson A
4. Explain the lever trade-off
Write, draw, point or dictate as agreed with your teacher.
Use the adult demonstration or labelled diagram. Compare the middle pivot and pivot nearer the load while keeping the same load, effort point and small load rise.
What changes about the effort arm compared with the load arm?
What may happen to the effort force?
What must happen to hand travel for the same small load rise?
CHOOSE A RESPONSE ROUTE
Ways to show your understanding
Choose the route agreed with your teacher. You do not need to complete every route.
Supported
Point to the pivot and choose a named example of each mechanism. Use 'It helps by ___, but ___' with an adult.
Standard
Name lever, pulley and geared drive examples. Explain one gain and one cost using the lever comparison.
Stretch
Explain why fixed pulley direction change differs from force gain. Qualify the lever claim with the same load and rise and note a real-model limitation.
Stop after the explanation. Label and keep this work; Tuesday compares the two lever positions.
Source: Science_Teesside/Teaching_Packs/GROW/lessons/W4A/GROW_Science_Autumn1_W4A_Mechanisms_Pupil.docx