The mechanical clock project is one that offers an early introduction into what it takes to be a mechanical engineer. The project introduces 12 year olds to all of the foundational concepts of mechanical engineering and what it takes to build their very own mechanical clock. The project explores concepts that range from simple machines as the foundation of all mechanical engineering, Newton’s Law of Motion and all the way to the history and invention of time.
It is imperative that children are exposed to the makings of all career paths at a young age so that they have the opportunity to discover both their passions and areas of natural strength. Such early exposure will enable them to double down on what they love and are great at from an early age, for that is what makes the greats. Within the many career paths that exist, we find that and opportunity to learn what it takes to build a career within the realm of engineering and science is one of high importance. We believe this not only because of the increasing relevance that these careers will have in the future, and our responsibility to prepare our children for this future, but for the analytical and critical thinking that these projects encourage, and the immense power that these skills will have on the trajectory of ones life.
Time is familiar to everyone, yet it's hard to define and understand. Science, philosophy, religion, and the arts have different definitions of time, but the system of measuring it is relatively consistent.
A central feature of how we experience the world is the flow of time from the past to the future. But it is a mystery precisely how this phenomenon, known as the arrow of time, arises from the microscopic interactions among particles and cells.
The mechanical clock comprises an oscillating mechanism that marks the passing of time, and an escapement that counts its beats. By comparison with astronomical systems for measuring time, the mechanical clock is less accurate, but can be consulted at any time of day or night, even in adverse weather conditions.
The most famous mechanical clock was designed and built by Henry de Vick in c. 1360—for the next 300 years, all the improvements in timekeeping were essentially developments based on it. The invention of the mainspring in the early 15th century allowed small clocks to be built for the first time.
The clock first appeared during the 11th century "...as a device for ringing bells at regular intervals in monasteries…" (Woodcock 883). During the 13th century the first authenticated clock appeared then 14th century came to popularizes clocks "…as common ornaments of the public building in German cities" (Woodcock 883).
Simple machines make work easier. They have few or no moving parts and they work by changing the direction of a force or the amount of force needed to do something.
The wheel work, or train, of a clock is the series of moving wheels (gears) that transmit motion from a weight or spring, via the escapement, to the minute and hour hands
There are three main ways energy transfers from one place to another, or one object to another: through the movement of objects, the movement of waves, and the movement of heat.
Newton's first law states that if a body is at rest or moving at a constant speed in a straight line, it will remain at rest or keep moving in a straight line at constant speed unless it is acted upon by a force.
In this module, you'll begin putting together everything you have learned about yourself and about success so that you can chart your own path to the future.
We all live by time, it is the one constant truth for everybody. However, to understand the history of time and the evolution of their agents was new to me but very interesting. I wish I had this when I was younger.
Every child must experience what it feels like to tinker. thefamilyshed team let us in on an in-person session to try out their projects and I have never seen my child so excited and intrigued.
We got an early view into this project. This is one of the best projects I have ever done with my child. The building experience was delightful, and the multidisciplinary education modules was something like I’ve never seen before.
We all live by time, it is the one constant truth for everybody. However, to understand the history of time and the evolution of their agents was new to me but very interesting. I wish I had this when I was younger.
Every child must experience what it feels like to tinker. thefamilyshed team let us in on an in-person session to try out their projects and I have never seen my child so excited and intrigued.
We got an early view into this project. This is one of the best projects I have ever done with my child. The building experience was delightful, and the multidisciplinary education modules was something like I’ve never seen before.
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