Loans Box: Levers, pulleys and gears

Do you want to learn how to use levers, pulleys, gears and pneumatics to manoeuvre objects more easily? This pack has the mechanisms required to allow a small force to have a great effect.

Who could use this?

The resources in the box can be used to teach the gears, pulleys and levers aspects of the Year 5 science curriculum. This box can also be used to deliver the mechanical systems aspects of the Key Stage 2 Design Technology curriculum.

Curriculum links

Year 5 Science: Forces – recognise that some mechanisms, including levers, pulleys and gears, allow a smaller force to have a greater effect.

Key Stage 2 Design Technology

  • Design- generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated sketches, cross-sectional and exploded diagrams, prototypes, pattern pieces and computer-aided design
  • Make- select from and use a wider range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their functional properties and aesthetic qualities
  • Evaluate- evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work
  • Technical knowledge – understand and use mechanical systems in their products [for example, gears, pulleys,
    cams, levers and linkages]

What’s in the box?

  • Everyday objects for sorting
  • Pre-cut card levers
  • Pneumatics pack
  • Levers book set
  • Gears class set
  • Wooden pulleys
  • Cam packs

Download the complete contents list here.

Download the hazard identification sheet for this box here.

We have also included the following information:

How to use the block and tackle

How to use the pulleys

Different types of levers

Activities to support the use of this box in school and at home

Detailed instructions on how to use our class gears set with your whole class can be found here: https://nustem.uk/bga-workshop/

Visit our levers, pulleys and gears page for more information about these mechanisms and activities including:

  • catapults
  • make your own pulley
  • bike gears challenge

and much more!

Careers links

The Primary Science Teaching Trust has some additional careers links you may like to look at. These are called A scientist just like me and introduce children to a diverse range of scientists.

The downloadable power points relevant to this box are

Mechanical Engineer Dr Rafsan Chowdhury

Mechanical Engineer Danial Azahan

Chartered Civil Engineer Kath Waring

Civil Engineer Jyoti Sehdev

© Northumbria University 2014-26