CONNECT
Water is one of the most important natural resources for humanity, as we cannot live without it. We need water to perform various daily tasks such as preparing meals, personal and household hygiene, fishing, using it for transportation, producing electricity, irrigation, hydration, etc. These activities can only be carried out with freshwater, which is found on continents and distributed in rivers, lakes, underground soil layers, or glaciers. In this scenario, the water mill played a crucial role in the sustainable use of this vital resource.
By harnessing the force of water flow, the mill was an innovation that allowed humanity to grind grains, produce mechanical energy, and carry out various industrial activities. This traditional technology played a fundamental role in the development of societies over the centuries, facilitating food production and driving the economy. Water mills were also used to pump water for irrigating agricultural fields, thereby contributing to increased productivity in agricultural activities. Their historical and functional importance highlights how intelligent water use benefits society sustainably, promoting the efficient use of this essential resource for life.
Watch the video “Water Saving Tips and Tricks – Let’s Save the Planet”:
CONTEMPLATE
• Do you and your family save water?
• What can you include in your daily life to avoid water waste, and what do you believe is important to encourage the class to practice as well?
ACTIVITY PROPOSAL
WATER MILL
It is a machine that harnesses the energy of water. It has several blades that rotate when water passes through them.
These blades are attached around a wheel, which is attached to a rotating shaft, which provides energy to the water pump mechanism.
The shaft can also provide energy to a machine called a generator, which produces electricity.
BUILD
Build a mill with the pieces from the Simple and Motorized Machines Technological Kit.
Click the button to download the file.
Watch the video and see how the mill works:
CONTINUE
• Did you have difficulty at any point during construction? If so, what?
• Did the mill blades work?