Materials Required:
Bowl
Glass
PVC pipe (1.5-inch diameter, approximately 14 inches long)
Clear plastic tubing (1/4 inch inside diameter)
Clear packing tape
Water
Food coloring
Steps Involved:
Prepare the Screw:
Wrap the clear plastic tubing around the PVC pipe in a spiral fashion, ensuring it’s evenly spaced. Secure the tubing in place using clear packing tape. Note: Duct tape can also be used for a stronger hold, but clear tape allows you to see the water in the tube.
Add Water:
Fill a bowl with water and add a few drops of food coloring to make the water more visible.
Position the Screw:
Place the bottom end of your makeshift screw (the PVC pipe wrapped with tubing) in the bowl of water. Position a glass at the top end of the screw to catch the water as it moves.
Operate the Screw:
Begin turning the pipe by rotating it in your hands. As you turn, observe how the water is scooped up by the tubing and transported upwards through the spiral, eventually dripping into the glass.
Observe the Process:
Note that as the screw turns, water remains in the underside of the tubing, while air occupies the space above it. Discuss how air takes up space, highlighting the role of both air and water in the demonstration.
Test and Explore:
Attempt to change the angle of the screw, keeping the bottom of the tubing always submerged in the water. Observe how this affects the screw’s efficiency in moving water, noting that it might not work as well if the angle is too steep.
Discuss the Science Behind It:
Explain how an Archimedes’ screw is a type of simple machine used historically to move water to higher elevations. Discuss its relevance in ancient engineering and how the principles of the screw apply to modern machinery.