Welcome to Science Expeditions Extras!
Dive deeper into your science kit’s theme and experiments. This month, learn a little extra about elevators and trams.
Elevators & Trams
You may have to search a bit to see the pulleys around you, but they’re everywhere. They’re not just in elevators—they’re also in factories, hospitals, schools, and homes. They’re on sailboats, flagpoles, garage doors, cranes, and window blinds. Find them on exercise equipment, dump trucks, fishing rods, and more. Where else can you spot them?
Travel up and down this page to find more fun facts, a photo gallery, and a printable.
Fun Facts
Listening to music in elevators became popular in the 1920s because first-time passengers were frightened to ride in the machine.
The Roosevelt Island tram in New York City was the first aerial tram to be used for mass transit in the U.S. The tram’s ride over the East River has become a regular part of the day for thousands of urban commuters.
“Door Close” buttons on elevators don’t actually make the door close more quickly. Since the 1990s, most elevators have been programmed to close on their own schedules.
Print and Play
Help Sam and Sofia meet up with Aunt Charlie. Coordinate their tram schedules with this fun printable.
