Rapunzel's Rescue Rig: Pulley Power!

A STEM Project Led by Charlee for 1st Graders

Materials Needed (for Charlee and the 1st Grade Group):

• Empty thread spools (1 per 1-2 students)
• String or yarn (approx. 2 feet per spool)
• Small paper cups or buckets (1 per spool)
• Paper clips (2 per cup/bucket)
• Small objects to lift (e.g., toy figures, erasers, large Lego blocks - nothing too heavy)
• A stable horizontal bar or rod to hang pulleys from (e.g., a tension rod in a doorway, the back of sturdy chairs, a broomstick held by two adults/Charlee and parent)
• Optional: Pictures of different types of pulleys or examples from the book.
• Optional: Rapunzel illustration or doll.

Lesson Steps for Charlee to Lead (25-30 Minutes):

Part 1: Preparation (Charlee does this beforehand)

1. Re-Read & Review: Quickly look over 'Keep It Simple, Rapunzel!' focusing on the parts about pulleys. What problem did Rapunzel solve with a simple machine?
2. Practice Build: Build one complete pulley system yourself. Attach string to the cup handle, loop the other end over the spool, and hang the spool on the rod. Make sure you can easily lift and lower the cup.
3. Prepare Materials: Cut the string into ~2-foot lengths. Punch two holes opposite each other near the rim of each paper cup and attach a paper clip through the holes to make a handle. Ensure all materials are ready to go.
4. Think Simple: How can you explain 'pulley' in super simple words? (e.g., "It's a wheel that helps us lift things easier!") Think about questions to ask the 1st graders.

Part 2: Leading the Activity (Charlee guides the 1st graders)

1. Introduction (5 mins):
   • Gather the 1st graders. Ask, "Who knows the story of Rapunzel? How did people (or the prince) get up to her tower?" (They might say climbing her hair).
   • "Imagine Rapunzel needed to lift something heavy, like a basket of apples, up to her tower. Climbing with it would be hard! What if she used a special tool, a simple machine, to help?"
   • Show them the spool and string. "This is part of a simple machine called a PULLEY. It uses a wheel (the spool) and a rope (the string) to make lifting easier. Let's build one!" (Optional: Show pictures of pulleys).
2. Build Time! (15 mins):
   • Give each student or pair a spool, a length of string, and a paper cup with a paper clip handle.
   • Show them how to tie one end of the string securely to the paper clip handle of the cup.
   • Demonstrate how to loop the other end of the string over the spool.
   • Help them hang their spool onto the horizontal bar/rod. Make sure the cup hangs down freely.
   • Place a small object into each cup.
   • Let the students pull down on the free end of the string. "What happens to the cup?" (It goes up!) "Is it easier than lifting the cup straight up?"
   • Encourage them to lift and lower their objects a few times.
3. Testing & Observation (5 mins):
   • Let the students experiment. Can they lift different small objects?
   • Ask questions: "What does the pulley do?" (Helps lift things). "Where have you seen something like this before?" (Flagpoles, wells, cranes, window blinds).
4. Wrap-up & Clean-up (5 mins):
   • "Great job, engineers! You built Rapunzel's Rescue Rig using a pulley! This simple machine helps make work easier."
   • Praise their efforts and teamwork.
   • Help collect the materials neatly.

Tips for Charlee:

• Use simple, clear words.
• Show, don't just tell. Demonstrate each step.
• Be patient! Let them try, even if they make mistakes.
• Ask lots of questions to keep them thinking.
• Walk around and help individuals or pairs as needed.
• Smile and make it fun!