One common theme for many children attending school in the United States and around the world is having to create a science fair project. Typical projects include a small volcano that erupts via combining baking soda and vinegar, models of the solar system both stationary and moving, and various types of experiments involving growing plants in different environments. For more advanced science
. students or just kids who want to have fun with their project, there are plenty of simple mechanical projects around that will not only impress the judges but teach core principles of science and physics as well.One such project might be to demonstrate how gears work as well as teach people how to calculate gear ratios by putting gears together. With gears being used in so many common things today such as music boxes, clocks, engines, windmills, bicycles and so forth, this project would shed new light on something complex yet fundamental to everyday life. It would be as simple as setting up two gears of varying size with a crank or shaft of some sort to turn one and watch as it affects the other. The person creating the project can include an explanation of not only what gear ratio is but how to calculate it using the example gears they placed in their project. A final touch twould be to include examples and illustrations of gears being used in everyday items people depend on.Another project to consider is creating an Archimedes screw. Made with a few simple ingredients that can be found in any hardware store such as PVC pipe, duct tape and clear vinyl tubing, an Archimedes screw is a very simple pump used to move water from one place to another. With just a little mechanical know how and easy to find ingredients, anyone can craft a fun mechanical project that teaches core science concepts.More reference links: http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas/ApMech_p039.shtml?fave=no&isb=c2lkOjEsaWE6QXBNZWNoLHA6MSxyaWQ6MTMwNDgwNzk&from=TSW http://www.sciencetoymaker.org/
