Children can learn the principles of mechanical advantage and see real-life examples along our canals and rivers.
STEM: Mechanical advantage
Mechanical advantage has been used for thousands of years to enable us to move large objects with small forces.
Download free learning resources
Mechanical Advantage Activity Plan
Use this activity plan to guide your learning about mechanical advantage
Mechanical Advantage at National Waterways Museum
This film provides a good introduction to mechanical advantage and shows you some real life examples.
Build a Lock Game
Learn how a lock works by playing this game in the Explorers Game Zone
Gear Ratio Experiment
Understand how cranes use mechanical advantage in different ways to suit different loads and situations.
LEGO Canal Crane
Build your own mini LEGO canal crane using our step-by-step instructions
National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port
Information about STEM workshops at the National Waterways Museum
Last Edited: 8 January 2026