Pulleys and Gears
Learn and lift!
Overview
In this activity, groups of 4-5 students will collaboratively design, build, test and modify a series of 3D printed elevator shafts that are able to lift and move a load a set vertical distance.
Duration: 2-3 40-minute sessions
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Group or Individual: Group
Learning Goals:
By the end of the lesson groups will:
- Explore how pulleys/gears change speed, direction, motion and force exerted on objects
- Work collaboratively to critically and creatively solve the design problem
- Conceptually imagine and create a design meeting specifications and constraints
- Communicate using scientific vocabulary when conferencing in small/large groups
- Utilize mathematical calculations accurately to build a 3D printed concept
- Apply scientific principles of hypothesis, experimentation, analysis and repetition
- Devise a simple mechanism that is able to perform a predetermined function
Materials
- 3D Printer filament for printing (and scheduled time on the printer)
- scrap cardboard for initial prototypes
- rubber bands
- string/twine
- straws
- water bottle caps
- hot glue gun/gluesticks
- 3D printer such as the Cubicon Single+
- licensed CAD software such as Fusion 360, Inventor, TinkerCAD or SolidWorks
- computer and mouse for each student or group for CAD design
Prerequisite Skills
- Familiarity with TinkerCAD or other 3D printing software
Your Instructor
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.