Learning Resources
Reducing Friction
Why does friction matter when using machines?
This summer camp theme explores friction and smoothness.
| Project: | Description: | Related concepts and machines: |
| Bearings |
From Try Engineering from IEEE. Bearings are found in most machines that spin. They reduce friction and extend the life of machines, and make fidget spinners spin. |
Maintenance, Motion, Energy, Design. Mignon typewriter (stylus bearing), Timken bearings |
| Slime |
From Teacher Source. Make a slime and discuss whether it’s going to reduce friction, or increase stickiness. |
Measurement. Jones & Lamson ‘Silent Salesman’ Turret Lathe |
| Surface Finish | From Instructables. Why might surface finish matter? |
Designing for Motion, Planes, Measurement. Grinders, planers, APM widget cubes & keychains. |
We collected these free resources online, and combined they make about one day’s worth of activities (three projects, cleanup, lunch, and breaks).
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