Pulleys and Gears

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