November 5, 2009 Gears

Our group was transported back in time this week to Greece at its pinnacle. Unfortunately, we were slaves who spent our entire days pushing a millstone to grind wheat. We pushed on our millstone all day with Mrs. S. and Mrs. G. cracking the whip if we faltered or smiled.

When we arrived back in 2009 we learned about water-driven gears such as those used in nearby Colvin Mill to greatly reduce the manpower needed for simple tasks. We built our own gears and discussed the size of the gears working together to increase or decrease force, speed and direction.