The Paper Plate Pulley
Purpose
This activity helps your child learn to use both hands together. It builds strength in the shoulders as they pull the string. They also practice planning steps to make a simple machine work. This is great for building focus and teaching how to control their own strength.
Activity Steps
Steps:
- Use the hole puncher to make one hole in the middle of your paper plate.
- Tape the paper plate to the top of a stable door frame using masking tape.
- Thread your string through the hole you made in the plate.
- Use the hole puncher to make two small holes near the rim of your paper cup.
- Tie one end of the string through the holes in the cup to make a handle.
- Fill the cup with a handful of beans to act as cargo.
- Stand below the plate and pull the loose end of the string to lift the cup.
- Try to lower the cup slowly to the floor without letting it drop or crash!
Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required when using long pieces of string to prevent a strangulation hazard.
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