Activity 2:

Experiments with a push pull cable

Category: Construction / Mechanics

Target group

Children of 3 to 6 years in kindergarten.

Goals

- to handle and describe a push pull cable.

- to develop solutions and put them into practice.

Where?

Marble carpet in the group area.

How long?

Guided play for approx. 30 minutes, free play phase afterwards.

What?

Getting to know the functions and properties of a push pull cable and apply them in the marble-slide machine.

Preparation

- Prepare the push pull cable (must be hung up).

- Prepare the group area.

- Place materials at hand that can be pulled up.

Steps

-         The children look at the construction sketch of the marble-slide machine.

-         They pull a block (different weights) up by using a string and ask themselves how this can be made easier.

-         The children build a push pull cable ("crane") and hang it up.

-         They pair up and experiment. They pull up various weights.

-         They regard the elevator on the sketch of the marble-slide machine.

Scientific explanation

A push pull cable facilitates the pulling up of weights.

A heavier weight pulls a lighter one upwards.

Possible variation

Note!

The elevator crate for the machine must be fastened to an edge, so that the crate can roll over the role of the push pull cable and the marble directly tilts into the slide.

Source