Archimedes Screw
A spiral inside a tube lifts water uphill just by turning — an ancient machine you can build today.
Start building ↓The build
Wrap the spiral
Wind the hose tightly around the tube in a helix and secure it.
Set the angle
Rest the bottom end in a low water container at a slant.
Turn the handle
Rotate the screw steadily.
Collect water
Water rises through the spiral into the top container.
Each turn traps a pocket of water in the spiral and carries it a little higher, so continuous turning moves water uphill against gravity.
A closer look
The screw converts rotational work into gravitational potential energy of the lifted water; steeper angles lift higher but move less per turn.
Variables to test
- 1 Change the tilt angle — how does flow rate change?
- 2 Turn faster; does more water move per minute?
More Physics
Homopolar Motor
A single AA battery, a magnet and a copper-wire loop spin into the simplest electric motor that actually works.
Switchable Electromagnet
Coil insulated wire around an iron bolt and a battery turns it into a magnet you can switch on, off, and strengthen at will.
Pendulum Timer
A swinging mass keeps remarkably steady time — build one and discover what really sets its rhythm.