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Get a Lift!

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A pulley uses a wheel and a rope, cord, or chain. Pulleys help us lift things that are heavy. Here are some examples of pulleys at work.

Setting Sail

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Sailboats use pulleys. Pulleys help raise the sails, turn the boat, and more.

Heavy Load

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Pulleys help us build. Cranes crane FEIFEI CUI-PAOLUZZO—GETTY IMAGES a large machine used for moving heavy objects (noun) The crane lifted construction materials to the top of the building. use pulleys. So do other construction machines.

Safety First

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A rock climber wears a harness harness MINT IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES a set of straps for fastening something (noun) Audrey put the harness on the horse. . It is attached to a person with a pulley. This helps keep the climber from falling if he or she slips.

Top of the Slopes

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A ski lift takes people up ski slopes. It is made of many pulleys. One of them is huge! Take a look at it here.

Did You Know?

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This is what a pulley looks like up close. Pulleys make it easier to lift heavy things. Can you think of other everyday examples of pulleys?