Magnetic tile pulley
Build a simple pulley using magnetic tiles and household items. A hands-on STEM invitation that sparks curiosity, problem-solving, and pretend play.
Some activities look impressive but secretly take almost no time to set up - this is one of them!
A few magnetic tiles, a cardboard roll (or dowel), and a cup on a string become a working pulley you can lift, lower, and experiment with.
Start by building two sturdy magnetic-tile towers. Use the window tile with a hole at the top of each tower, then rest a cardboard roll or dowel between them to act as the pulley "bar." Tie a small paper cup or container to a length of string, wrap the string around the roll, and you’ve got a miniature lift system that actually works.
Kids especially will love testing what they can haul up, how many windings it takes, and how the weight changes the feel of the pull.
It’s a brilliant way to explore early engineering, cause and effect, and problem-solving - while doubling as a scene-builder for endless pretend play (a construction site, a rescue mission, a delivery service, you name it).
Perfect for a rainy afternoon, a STEM corner, or a moment when you need something hands-on but low-effort.
Materials
Prep / make
Step 1:
Build two equal-height magnetic-tile towers.
Step 2:
Place a window tile with a hole on the top of each tower.
Step 3:
Rest a cardboard roll or dowel across the holes - this becomes your pulley bar.
Step 4:
Attach string to a paper cup and wrap the string around the bar.
Step 5:
Make sure the cup hangs freely and can be wound up and down.
Play
Step 1:
Play around turning the roll/dowel to lift and lower the cup.
Step 2:
Add small objects to transport.
Step 3:
Experiment - what changes when the load is heavier?
Step 4:
Shift tile heights or tower spacing to see how the pulley behaves.
Step 5:
Add pretend play - construction site, rescue lift, deliveries, etc.
Extend
Construction Zone: Add toy workers, blocks, and signs to build a whole site.
Delivery Service: Send “packages” (tiny toys) between rooms or stations.
Decorate the Cup: Turn it into a basket, rocket pod, or treasure lift.
Playground scene: Make it a swing and inspire a playground adventure
