Simple Machines: Build Your Own Archimedes Screw!

Have you ever wondered how people in ancient times moved water uphill without electricity? One of the oldest and most fascinating simple machines—the Archimedes Screw—was designed to do just that! This clever invention, attributed to the ancient Greek mathematician Archimedes, uses a spiral mechanism to lift water or other small materials from a lower level to a higher one.

In this hands-on activity from our Simple Machines unit study, you'll create your own working Archimedes Screw using common household materials. Get ready to explore the principles of engineering and mechanics as you build and test this incredible invention!

1. Supplies

• a round plastic water bottle with a cap, 
• a sheet of card stock or thin cardboard,
• a sturdy straw or wooden dowel,
• scissors,
• tape or hot glue

2. Prepare the Water Bottle Cylinder

Cut off the bottom of an empty round water bottle. Then cut a small hole near the cap at the top of the bottle. (A square hole works well, as it won’t let the popcorn kernels or other materials fall out before they are captured by the screw.)

3. Make the Spiral Pieces

Use the large open end of the bottle to trace circles onto the card stock or thin cardboard. You’ll need six to eight circles. Cut out these circles, but make sure they are slightly smaller than the bottle’s opening so they can fit inside without leaving gaps. After cutting out the circles, make a small hole in the center of each one so that they can easily, loosely slide onto the straw or dowel. On each circle, make a single cut from the edge to the center. This makes cutting the center hole easier and will let you connect them to make the screw’s spiral threads.

4. Build the Spiral

Separate the slits of two of the circles, and use tape or hot glue to connect the end of one to the end of the other. This begins the spiral of your screw. Attach the end of each circle to the next until you have a continuous spiral.

5. Assemble the Screw

Slide your spiral onto the sturdy straw or wooden dowel, making sure the length of the spiral is about the same as the bottle and the threads of your spiral are far enough apart to allow the materials to travel between them. If needed, use hot glue to secure the ends of the spiral farther apart.

Carefully insert the screw into the bottle. You should have the straw or dowel sticking out of the bottom of the bottle, allowing you to turn it.

Test It Out

Place the bottom end of your Archimedes Screw in a bowl of popcorn kernels or other similar small items. As you twist the screw, watch the kernels travel up through the bottle and exit near the top hole.

How Does It Work? 

The Archimedes Screw uses a twisting motion to move items from a lower place to a higher place. Each turn of the handle lifts the kernels up through the bottle.