🛠 Engineering Challenges Lab: Elevators & Pulleys

In this project-based STEM challenge, students design and build their own working elevator system using pulleys, counterweights, and simple materials found around the home or classroom. Through creative problem-solving, learners explore how engineers use pulleys and levers to lift loads efficiently while investigating the math and physics behind mechanical advantage.

By the end of the course, students will have built and tested a functional elevator prototype that demonstrates the principles of force, motion, and energy transfer — gaining valuable experience in both engineering design and hands-on construction.

 By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain how pulleys, levers, and counterweights reduce required force.
   
• Apply math to calculate load, effort, and mechanical advantage.
   
• Design, build, and test a simple elevator model using household materials.
   
• Document and improve designs through the engineering design process.
   
• Develop creativity and problem-solving skills through open-ended design challenges.

Level 1: Mechanical Systems and Motion

WeekmFocus Topic Activities / Concepts Covered

Week 1 – Introduction to Simple Machines Levers, pulleys, and counter weights Explore how pulleys change force direction; build a basic single pulley.

Week 2 – Mechanical Advantage Ratios of load to effort Measure and calculate mechanical advantage with different pulley setups.

Week 3 – Design Planning Sketching and material selection Create elevator blueprints using available materials.

Week 4 – Building the Elevator Prototype  construction Build elevator frame and pulley system with counterweight.

Week 5 – Testing and Troubleshooting Force, friction, and redesign Test lifts with different weights; identify design improvements.

Week 6 – Final Presentation Reflection and communication Present and document the final working elevator design. 

• Cardboard, string, wooden dowels, or recycled materials for frame and pulleys
   
• Tape, scissors, ruler, and optional small weights or washers
   
• Optional: LEGO® or K’NEX® pieces for advanced builders
   
• Internet access for video lessons and design feedback submissions

MTC instructors are certified STEM educators and experienced robotics and engineering coaches. They guide students through hands-on challenges that blend math, physics, and creativity, helping learners apply real-world problem-solving strategies.

This is a self-paced course designed for independent learners.
Students will use scissors and/or box cutters to cut materials during construction. Adult supervision is strongly recommended whenever sharp tools are used.

Parents may assist with:

• Gathering and preparing materials
   
• Supervising cutting and assembly
   
• Providing a safe workspace for testing
   

Minimal support is needed once the structure is built and students are testing their prototypes.

🧠 Safety First: All projects emphasize responsible tool handling, workspace organization, and respect for safety guidelines.

NGSS

• MS-PS2: Motion and Stability — Forces and interactions.
   
• MS-PS3: Energy — Relationship between energy and motion.
   
• MS-ETS1: Engineering Design — Defining problems, developing and optimizing solutions.
   

CCSS Math Connection

• 6.RP.A.3: Use ratio reasoning to solve real-world problems.
   
• 7.EE.B.3: Solve multi-step problems with rational numbers in practical contexts.
   

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