This week at Mougins British International School, our Year 5 students took their science learning outside for a hands-on investigation into forces and simple machines. Having recently explored gears, levers, and pulleys in the classroom, it was time to see these concepts come to life - and what better place to do so than our own outdoor learning spaces?

Mr Farrell began the lesson with a demonstration by the PE building, showing how a pulley system can make lifting heavy loads much easier. Using a pulley to raise a large piece of gym equipment, the children saw how the simple machine reduced the effort needed. It was the perfect way to introduce the power of pulleys in action.

Next, the class headed to the forest area, where an exciting challenge awaited. Across a small ditch (imaginatively transformed into a “crocodile river”) Mr Farrell had set up what looked like part of a ropes course. The task: to investigate whether the students could safely cross the river using only a rope bridge.

We children quickly discovered that the rope didn’t have enough tension to hold anyone's weight and walking across would only lead to the crocodile! But instead of giving up, they put their science knowledge to the test. One by one, we added pulleys to the system and observed how each addition changed the tension. After adding four pulleys, the rope was finally tight enough for brave volunteers to make their way across the crocodile river - to the cheers of their classmates!

This creative outdoor experiment not only deepened the students’ understanding of forces and pulleys but we also hope it brought science to life in a truly memorable way.

If you happen to chat with any of our Year 5s this week, ask them about pulley systems - they might tell you how they work, or they might just share their crocodile adventure!

Claire Garcia
Head of Key Stage 2