Hero engine

**This activity introduces the concept of force and motion and energy transfer through the making of a rotary water-powered ‘hero’ engine. **

This resource focusses on a water-powered ‘hero’ rotary engine, which converts water pressure to rotary motion. Devices of this type, called aeolipiles, were described by the mathematician Hero of Alexandria around 2100 years ago. These operated on the same principle but used water that was heated to make steam, rather than just water pressure.

You will need:

Empty plastic one litre bottles
String or thread
Sticky tack
Drinking straws
Felt tipped pens
Scissors
Rulers
Sharp point, such as a bradawl, large needle or metal skewer
Stopwatch (for extension activity).

All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.

The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation