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In this activity, learners build a simple mechanism that regulates the "escape" of energy released by a falling weight by portioning it into discrete amounts. Escapements are found in mechanical clocks, such as those driven by a pendulum or a spring. Learners will build the wrapping form of escapement said to be used in a fifteenth-century German clock.
- Under 5 minutes
- 45 to 60 minutes
- $1 - $5 per student
- Ages 11 - 18
- Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- pipette box
- 3 bamboo skewers (3/16 in diameter)
- 6 plastic drinking straws
- 10 jumbo paper clips
- 1 regular paper clip
- 2 ft of light string (not heavy twine)
- translucent tape
- scissors
- ruler
- wire cutter (for cutting paper clip)
- saw to cut bamboo skewers (e.g. band saw, sabre saw, coping saw, etc.)
Subjects
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Technology
-
Engineering
-
Physical Sciences
-
Energy
- Energy and Power
- Work and Machines
-
Motion and Forces
- Machines
- Gravity
-
Energy
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
-
The Scientific Process
-
The Nature of Technology
-
Technology and Society
- Technology and History
-
Technology and Society
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Rathjen, Don
Rights:
- All rights reserved, Exploratorium, 2007