Names: EXEMPLAR

Archimedes’ Screw
Also known as The Egyptian Screw, Hydrodynamic
screw, or water screw.

State when it was
invented and by who.
State the machine’s
function (what is/was it
used for?)
Often credited to be invented by Greek mathematician Archimedes in 234 BC.
However, there is evidence that the Egyptians used something similar and that
would be around 3100 BC.
In ancient times, it was used to help irrigate crops and fields. It was used to raise
water from rivers and lakes unto fields to help with agriculture.
Today, it is primarily used in wastewater treatment plants to help transport water.
It can also be found in some other machines such a chocolate fountain or some
amusement park rides. It’s used in fish hatcheries to transport fish safety.

State elements of its
design that allow it to
complete its function (i.e.
Are there simple
machines in the design?)
They can also produce power if being driven by a flowing fluid and not aimed at
lifting fluid. This is known as a hydro turbine.
The Archimedes screw looks like a screw – it is basically an inclined plane
wrapped around a cylinder with an enclosed casing. At the top of the screw,
energy is required to turn the screw. Once turned, the screw scoops up water to the
next pocket of the screw and this motion continues until water comes out the other
end.

Describe how new This was invented very early on in human history, so there weren’t so many
technology influenced the technological advancements at the time.
design. Archimedes was studying and starting to understand simple machines. His
understanding of physics and math led to the development of many of his
inventions, including this screw.
However, overtime as technology has improved there have been new methods to
use the Archimedes screw.
Describe how the needs Society needed a way to create food for people and increase the production of their
of society influenced the crops. People needed a way to move water from low ground to higher ground in an
design. efficient way. This was designed from simple materials and also designed to be
operated by one person. Therefore, it was easy to use in earlier times.
Describe 3 specific ways - Early on this was made of wood. Then they started to be made of metal
the device has improved which is more durable.
overtime. - The screw initially used up energy to bring up water. However, later
people realized it can also generate energy by working the other way as a
hydro turbine.
- Many different types of Archimedes screws are now developed for their
specific uses. They have different rotations, extension (length), and pitch
(angles of threads). For example, if using to transport fish, the flow rate is
much slower and the threads at a smaller angle to ensure the fish
Choose 3 categories to
evaluate the device.
Think of 2 criteria 1. Impact of Humans – Was it an important development in human history? Is it
(questions to address) for still used today?
that category.
2. Environmental Impact – Does it produce waste? How long does it last?
Environmental Impact
Efficiency 3. Efficiency – Does it take a lot of energy to use? Is it more efficient than not
Appearance using the machine?
Effectiveness
Comfort
Impacts on Humans

Evaluate the machine

based on your criteria.
Your Machine: Archimedes Screw
Category Criteria
Impact of Humans Was it an important
development in human
history? Is it still used
today?
Environmental Does it produce
Impact waste? How long does
it last?
Efficiency Does it take a lot of
energy to use? Is it
more efficient than not
using a machine?
Analysis
This device had a huge impact on
civilization. It was invented years
ago to help with irrigation. The
development of agriculture is one
of the primary driving forces of
current civilization. The
Archimedes screw is still
regularly used today in many
different machines.
Building the Archimedes screw
will generate some waste as
energy is needed to transport
supplies and build the screw.
However, depending on the use
they can last for a very long time.
A screw used as a hydro turbine
can last up to 30 years.
It does not take a lot of energy to
use, in the past it could be
operated by one person. It
reduces the force needed to lift
water so it is more efficient than
doing this without the machine.
Mark yourself on the rubric before submission.

Category 4 pts 3 pts 2 pts 1 pt

Research Table is complete. All Table is mostly Table is partially Table is not complete.
sections have detailed complete. Most complete. Some
answers that are in sections have detailed sections have detailed
own words. answers that are answers that are not
mostly in own words. in own words.

Function and Students clearly Students describe the

Students describes Function and design
Design describe the main main functions of the
the main function of are not described by
functions of the machine and briefly the machine but students.
machine and how it describes how it description of how it
works. works. works could have
been clearly.
Influence of Students clearly Students describe Students partially Influence of
Technology and describe how how technological describe how technological
Society technological advancement and technological advancements and
advancement and societal needs advancement and societal needs are not
societal needs influenced the design. societal needs mentioned.
influenced the design. influenced the design.
Improvement 3 distinct 2 distinct 1 distinct Not improvements
improvements were improvements were improvement was have been noted on
noted on the noted on the noted on the the machine.
machine. machine. machine.
Evaluation of All criteria were Most criteria were Some criteria were Few criteria were
Mechanical applied to provide a applied to provide a applied to provide an applied to provide an
Device detailed evaluation of clear evaluation of evaluation of how the evaluation of how the
how the machine how the machine machine meets machine meets
meets meets human/environmental human/environmental
human/environmental human/environmental needs. needs.
needs. needs.
Communication Class presentation Class presentation Class presentation Class presentation
(Presentation) was prepared for and was partially prepared was completed but was not completed.
presentation was for and presentation was not prepared for.
under 5 minutes. was close to 5
minutes.

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