Linking in with the Autumn term topic The River of Life, Year 5 have been investigating shaduf’s, an ancient Egyptian device for transporting water, predominantly for irrigation. The shaduf uses a system of pivoted rotation, with a weight as a counter-balance. The children discussed how they would achieve this successfully, planning carefully, deciding on appropriate materials and devising team strategies.
For this first attempt children were allowed to use masking tape and other man-made materials.
At the end of each session we reflected on the results, what went well and areas that could be improved. This activity will progress over a number of weeks as the children develop their skills.
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- Securing the main upright proved to be problematic.
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- This shaduf demonstrated a successful pivot and rotation.
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- Though this cross beam was secure the children struggled to achieve rotation.
