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Gearing Up

In the first lesson, students will learn about different gear ratios. They will also design and 3D print their own gearing system. In the second lesson, students will use a simulator to test the various effects on a gearing system’s rotational speed when changing the number of cogs in a gear. Using the simulator, students will design their own 3D gearing system to reduce the rotational speed of a gear by a ratio of 60:1.

Subjects: MathematicsDesign and Technology
Years | Grades: 13th Grade | 18-19 years10th Grade | 14-15 years11th Grade | 15-16 years12th Grade | 16-18 years
Duration: Lesson 1: 45 minutes Print time: ~ 30 minutes Lesson 2: 45 minutes

Objectives

Extend knowledge of ratios
Use ratio notation, including reduction to the simplest form
Combine gears of differing gear ratios to achieve a desired ratio

Tools and equipment

Introduction video
1 x laptop/computer with mouse and internet access
1 x pen/pencil and planning worksheet
1 x 3D printer and PLA filament
1 x laptop/computer with mouse, internet access and DeeControl layering software for the BE3D eDee 3D printer
3 x demonstration models (STL files provided in lesson materials)