Rapunzel’s Tower Pulley Craft: Fairy Tale Simple Machine STEM Project
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Looking for a magical way to teach your kids about simple machines? This Rapunzel’s Tower Pulley Craft is a clever blend of science, art, and storytelling. It’s part of our fairy tale STEM series, and it combines hands-on learning with imaginative play—perfect for STEAM education!
Inspired by a project from the book Crafts from Your Favorite Fairy Tales by Kathy Ross and Vicky Enright, this activity is a fun way to introduce the concept of pulleys while making a cute, crafty Rapunzel tower.
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Supplies Needed:
- 1 paper towel tube or wrapping paper tube
- Paint and paintbrush
- Scissors
- Paper or cardstock
- Markers or crayons
- Yarn (yellow works best for Rapunzel’s hair)
- Glue or tape
How to Make the Rapunzel Tower Pulley Craft
- Paint the tube any color you like (purple is a favorite here!). Let dry.
- Cut a castle-style top into the tube.
- Cut out a small window on one side of the tower for Rapunzel to peek out.
How to Make the Pulley Braid
- Cut 10 pieces of yellow yarn, about 3 times the length of the tower.
- Fold in half and knot at the top to make a loop.
- Braid the yarn and secure the end with a small tie.
Assemble the Pulley System
- Cut another piece of yarn, same length as the braid.
- Tie one end of that yarn through the top loop of the braid.
- Feed the other end through the tower window and down the inside of the tube.
- Pulling on this yarn will lift or lower the braid—just like a pulley!
Add Rapunzel
- Cut a small circle from cardstock and draw Rapunzel’s face.
- Add extra yarn around the face for hair.
- Glue her face inside the window so she’s peeking out.
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For extra fun, clip on a small prince figure with a mini clothespin to “climb” the braid!
The Science Behind the Rapunzel Pulley Craft
This fairy tale pulley craft is a great way to introduce the pulley simple machine, which helps lift objects with less effort. In this project:
- The yarn simulates the rope
- The paper towel tube simulates the pulley casing
- Pulling one end of the rope makes the braid go up or down
Talk with your kids about:
- Where we use pulleys in real life (elevators, flagpoles, cranes)
- How pulleys reduce the force needed to lift something
- What happens if you use a longer braid or a heavier object
Extend the Learning
- Art: Decorate your tower with windows, ivy, flags, and more
- Storytelling: Write your own version of Rapunzel’s tale
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Engineering Challenge: Try building a larger tower or one with a second pulley
That looks great! What a fun craft. I agree, crafts that have a purpose or that can be played with after are usually hits with my little girl 🙂
How cute Karyn! My daughter will adore this.
What a cute craft! Thanks for sharing. My little girls will like this. I’m going to pin it so I remember this idea.
It is amazing and fun activity for the kids. Than you for sharing