Apply the Science
Here’s a way to find out firsthand how Archimedes’ screw works. These workers are going to build one. You can, too!
What you'll need:
- two bowls
- a plastic pipe
- clear, plastic tubing
- packing tape
- water
- food coloring
1
Wrap the plastic tubing around the pipe. The tubing should form three to five spirals like the threads of a screw.
2
Tape the tubing in place. Each end should stick out from the pipe a little bit.
3
Place the two bowls near each other. Fill the first with water. Add a couple drops of food coloring to the water.
4
Tilt the pipe so that one end of the tubing is below the surface of the water.
5
Turn the pipe as you keep it tilted. Watch the water climb up the tubing! Keep turning as the water climbs and pours from the tubing into the second bowl.