The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Simple Machines: Archimedes Screw (Engineering)

Simple Machines:�Archimedes Screw

A 9th-12th grade STEM lesson

Michael Matteson

1/29/2024

Notes for teachers

This activity is an exploration of simple machines, specifically how to use a screw to lift an object.

This can be used in a science lesson exploring physics, or (as in my case) in an engineering course.

List of Materials

• Water Bottle (one per group)
• Bamboo Skewer, or Cardboard tube
• Cardboard/Stiff Paper
• Marble
• 3D printers (optional)
• Paper
• Tape
• Hot Glue (or other adhesives)

Standards

AZ Engineering:

2.1 Identify the problem

2.2 Develop a problem statement based on facts, research, and experience

2.3 Explore possible issues or options to the problem

2.4 Select the best solution within the constraints and criteria

2.5 Develop a prototype or model to test the selected solution

2.6 Implement the solution

2.7 Evaluate the solution, and revise or repeat if necessary

2.8 Document and report all results

3.1 Use basic mathematical functions and tools

3.5 Use mathematical models including algebraic, geometric, trigonometric, and calculus relationships to solve, analyze, and design solutions

3.6 Generate manually and electronically mathematical solutions and evaluate their validity

3.7 Use English and Metric systems of measurement

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Standards

4.2 Use Newton’s Laws of Motion to analyze static and dynamic systems with and without the presence of external forces �4.4 Analyze relevant properties of materials used in engineering projects�5.1 Explain the concepts of precision, accuracy, and tolerance as they relate to measurement tools �5.2 Use measurement devices such as calipers, oscilloscopes, and digital multimeters to gather data for analysis �5.4 Use software tools to solve, model, analyze, and/or design solutions to engineering problems

5.6 Practice safe use of tools, machines, equipment, and materials�5.7 Review fabrication methods to create potential solutions to engineering problems�6.1 Apply technical writing skills and use visual aids to present critical information in reports�6.3 Apply communication skills, including listening skills, with project teams, project managers, clientele, and/or contractors �7.5 Document and present project results/outcomes as appropriate

Objectives:

Students will apply their knowledge of the simple machine screw to engineer an Archimedes Screw with the goal of lifting a marble over a given distance. Students will document the engineering design process in an engineering notebook, and will demonstrate the success of their device by showing their device lifting a marble.

Agenda

(approximately 65 minutes)

10 min. LAUNCH (Explain the simple machine screw and specifically the Archimedes Screw.)

10 min. DESIGN (Provide the constraints of the device, and some examples.)

40 min. ENGINEERING (Go through the engineering design process, and create their device.)

5 min. Students will demonstrate their device.

Students will turn in their Engineering Notebooks

• These guidelines are set with a class that is 84 minutes long with bellwork and classroom culture build into the first 20 minutes. If you have shorter blocks, you may have to adjust accordingly.

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• Depending on how familiar your students are with engineering projects, this may extend into multiple days.

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Intro/Driving Question/Opening

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Challenge: Engineer an Archimedes Screw to lift a marble over a given distance.

Using the engineering design process, do research, brainstorm, design, construct, and demonstrate your archimedes screw.

How can the simple machine screw be considered a combination of other simple machines? Which ones?

Hands-on Activity Instructions

• Best in pairs, but you could go into groups up to four students.
• Instruct on simple machines, and the archimedes screw.
• Explain the Ideal Mechanical Advantage, its formula, and how to find the parameters of radius and pitch. *Note: Pitch is the distance between the screw threads.
• Provide the constraints of the device.
• Provide the materials for the activity.
• Provide time to go through the engineering design process; including background research, brainstorming, designing, and testing.

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Assessment

Students will be assessed first on the success of their device. Did it lift the marble or not?

Students will then be assessed on their engineering design process and their knowledge of simple machines and the Archimedes Screw by turning in an engineering notebook that follows the provided rubric.

Differentiation

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• Provide additional support as needed to come up with more ideas.
• Provide a template to work from.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

• Groups have the ability to use materials differently, use CAD for design creation or 3D print device pieces.

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