How to Make a Water Wheel

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Cut a long slice off of 1 side of the waxed corrugated cardboard

   These sections will create your paddles once glued onto both sides of the water wheel itself. , The protractor will not only help you make an even circle, but will also mark the center of the circle for you.
   
   The center is where axle, or beam, will be placed in order to connect the 2 sides of the water wheel and allow the wheel to spin. , The "A" should be 4 inches (10.16 cm) tall by 4 inches (10.16 cm) wide.
   
   At the very top middle point of the "A" shape, mark a small "v" shape; this will be the inlet that the axle is placed in.
   
   Outline an extra 2 � 2 1/2 inch (6.35 cm) long x 3/4 inch (1.905 cm) wide rectangles for the water wheel stand support. ,,, Make sure each paddle is positioned at a diagonal towards the center of the water wheel.
   
   Use the image of spokes on a bike to help with this positioning. ,,, Make sure it goes through both sides and sticks out of each side equally.
   
   Set the wheel aside. , Do so by attaching the rectangular support beams to the left side of one of the "A" shapes, directly under the horizontal line across the middle of the shape.
   
   Do the same for the second support beam on the right hand side.
   
   Pin or glue the opposite "A" shape to the support beams that you have just attached to the first "A" shape to complete the support system. , Place the axle in the "v" shaped grooves at the top of each "A" shape.
   
   This will allow your water wheel to spin. ,, Place a small amount of water in the miniature bucket and see how much water it takes to run over the water wheel in order to spin and lift the miniature bucket of water.
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   Step 2: or foam board

3. 3

   Step 3: or wood that is 2 inches (5.08 cm) wide and 15 inches (38.1 cm) big long cut using the box cutters.

4. 4

   Step 4: Divide this slice into 10 1 1/2 inch (3.81 cm) sections using the box cutters.

5. 5

   Step 5: Mark a 6 inch (15.24 cm) diameter circle on the waxed cardboard

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   Step 6: or foam board

7. 7

   Step 7: using a protractor.

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   Step 8: Outline the water wheel's stand by tracing an "A" shape on the waxed cardboard or foam board using a pen or a pencil.

9. 9

   Step 9: Cut along your outlines that you created for the wheel sides as well as the water wheel stand and its supports.

10. 10

    Step 10: Lay one of the circular sides of the wheel on the ground.

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    Step 11: Measure and mark where your paddles will go on the water wheel's side using the protractor

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    Step 12: setting each paddle at a 40 degree angle from the next paddle.

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    Step 13: Pin or glue the 1 1/2 inch (3.81 cm) side of each paddle to the side of the water wheel along each marking you have just created.

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    Step 14: Attach the other side of the water wheel to the paddles that you have just attached to the first side of the wheel.

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    Step 15: Push a wooden skewer through the center marking of the wheels.

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    Step 16: Pin or glue together the "A" shaped water wheel support system.

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    Step 17: Place the water wheel on its stand

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    Step 18: using the wooden skewer as its axle.

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    Step 19: Test your water wheel by placing it under a very gentle stream of running water to ensure it spins correctly.

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    Step 20: Test how much weight your water wheel can lift by attaching 1 end of a string to the handle of your miniature bucket and the other end to the axle of the water wheel.

Detailed Guide

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