Science·Forces & Motion·conceptual
Levers, Pulleys & Gears
Recognise that some mechanisms including levers, pulleys, and gears allow a smaller force to have a greater effect
Suggested ages 9–10
Learning journey
Your child is learning about gravity and forces that resist motion like friction and air resistance, while discovering how simple machines like levers and pulleys can make tasks easier.
Evidence of understanding
- Describe how a lever works: effort at one end moves a load at the other, with a pivot in between
- Explain how a pulley changes the direction of a force and can make lifting easier
- Describe how gears transfer and change the size or direction of forces
Assessment prompt
Can Levers, Pulleys & Gears explain how a see-saw, a pulley on a flagpole, or the gears on a bicycle make it easier to move heavy things with less effort?
Standards alignment
Y5.Sci.F.3GB · uk-nc-2013
Mechanisms and force effects
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2