Pulleys Pull Their Weight: Simple Machines for Kids

*Selected as a "recommended title" by the Kansas National Education Association's Reading Circle Commission

Learn how simple machines make work easier in these colorful nonfiction picture books all about science and engineering

What if an elephant sat on your book and refused to move. How could you lift it? Very carefully

You might want to use a pulley. A pulley is one of six simple machines that are designed to make different kinds of work such as lifting, pulling, pushing easier. In Pulleys Pull Their Weight: Simple Machines for Kids, readers solve the problem of a heavy elephant by learning about forces and how we can increase the amount we can lift simply by using a pulley. Concepts including mechanical advantage, moveable pulleys, and compound pulleys make sense with engaging illustrations and lots of real-life examples that kids can spot in their home, schools, and neighborhoods.

An introductory poem offers language arts connections while a hands-on activity at the end reinforces concepts in the book. A glossary and photographs offer even more supplemental learning opportunities.

Pulleys Pull Their Weight is part of a six-book set of Picture Book Science books designed to introduce young engineers to physical science concepts. Other titles are Wedges Make a Point, Screws Keep Things Secure, Levers Lessen the Load, Wheels Make the World Go Round, and Inclined Planes Ramp It Up.

All books are leveled for Guided Reading level and Lexile and align with Common Core state standards and Next Generation Science Standards.

All titles are available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats.