Lesson plan based on Hadrian
Construct an ancient bow drill and demonstrate its effectiveness in carving stone.
Skills and Focus: Scientific Inquiry
Subject Area: Science
Thematic Connection: Connecting Past and Present
Grade Level: Middle School
Time Needed: 90 minutes
Objectives
• Replicate an ancient bow drill.
Instructional Materials Needed
Story: How Was This Made?
Dowels, 8" in length
Handles (a wooden doorknob—like handle will suffice)
Wood files
String
Bow-like curved piece of wood
Emery powder or other abrasive (such as fine sand)
Soft stone (such as slate or soapstone)
Activity
Step 1: Lead the class in making a bow drill according to the diagram. The drill consists of a slender dowel that is smoothed at one end to fit into a socket—like handle. The handle can be fashioned from the wooden doorknob handles by hollowing out a smooth socket in the center of the underside bottom of the handle. The socket needs to be loose and its interior smooth to allow the drill to rotate.
Step 2: The bow can be made from a curved piece of wood with a slightly loose string which can be wound around the drill shaft to make it rotate. Powdered emery or fine sand provides an abrasive.
Step 3: Help students use the drill to cut into soft stones (e.g., slate). Compare the effectiveness of wet versus dry abrasives.
Goals
This activity meets Illinois State Goal 11: Have a working knowledge of the processes of scientific inquiry and technological design to investigate questions, conduct experiments and solve problems.
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