Two Washers

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In this activity, learners create a mind and math puzzle that requires a three-dimensional solution. Learners use tools including a drill and glue gun to construct the puzzle out of wood, rope, and washers. Once constructed, learners manipulate the rope to move both washers onto the same side of the rope without untying any knots. Use this project to introduce learners to topology. [Activity is publicly available through a web crawler capture on Archive.org.]

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Game, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • 6 in. Wood block, 1 in. x 2 in.
  • 3 ft. Rope, fat, 3/16 in. flexible cord works well
  • Small drill bit, just bigger than rope
  • 1/2 in. Drill bit, much bigger than rope
  • 2 Washers, 3/8 in. diameter
  • Tape, masking or electrical
  • Hot glue gun

Keywords

Subjects

  • Mathematics
    • Algebra
      • Patterns
    • Geometry
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Problem Solving

Informal Categories

  • Games
  • Toys

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Watsonville Environmental Science Workshop

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Watsonville Environmental Science Workshop, 2011

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