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Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
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These resources have been reviewed and selected by STEM Learning’s team of education specialists for factual accuracy and relevance to teaching STEM subjects in UK schools.
Make a water powered ‘hero’ rotary engine
This is one of a series of resources from the IET designed around the theme of the future of flight with the purpose of developing pupils knowledge and skills in engineering and mathematics. This activity explores water-powered ‘hero’ rotary engines, which convert water pressure to rotary motion. Devices of this type, called aeolipiles, were described by the mathematician Hero of Alexandria around 2100 years ago. These operated on the same principle but used water that was heated to make steam, rather than just water pressure. Pupils are introduced to the concept of force and motion and energy transfer through making of a simple rotary water-powered hero engine.
This activity could be used as a main lesson activity, to teach pupils about energy and Newton’s third law of motion contributing to learning in maths and science. Alternatively, the activity could be used to initiate discussion about other forms of energy and the factors affecting flight.
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