Shadufs
Class 4 were asked the question How did the Ancient Egyptians transport water from the River Nile?
They learned that mechanisms called shadufs were used, which used both pivots and pulleys to lift heavy containers of water from the river.
The children studied pictures of both ancient and modern day shadufs and were tasked with designing a working model that would successfully lift weights, using the same pivot and pulley mechanisms.
They could decide how many legs their shaduf would have, the size it would need to be, how they would attach their materials securely together, and what materials would work best for the job.
Design and Technology Objectives covered:
Design
* use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional and appealing products that are fit for purpose, aimed at particular individuals or groups
* generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated sketches, and prototypes,
Make
* select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks [for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing], accurately
* select from and use a wider range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their functional properties and aesthetic qualities
Evaluate
* investigate and analyse a range of existing products
* evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work
Technical knowledge
* apply their understanding of how to strengthen, stiffen and reinforce more complex structures
* understand and use mechanical systems in their products [for example, gears, pulleys, cams, levers and linkages]
Ancient Egyptian shaduf design
