Challenge: Pump drill

Survival Challenge: Make a Pump Drill

Objective

Students will design and construct a working pump drill using natural and provided materials. This activity teaches engineering principles, problem-solving, and tool-making skills, critical in survival scenarios.

Materials Needed

Provided Materials:

Drill Bit: Metal or salvaged piece (can be substituted with a sharp stone or nail for primitive use).
Cordage: Strong string, twine, or paracord.

Natural or Salvaged Materials:

Drill Shaft: A straight branch or dowel (about 18–24 inches long).
Flywheel: A heavy, flat piece like a stone with a hole, a wooden disk, or a salvaged object like a metal plate.
Handle: A crossbar, such as a sturdy stick or dowel (about 12 inches long).

Tools:

Knife for carving.
Awl or drill for creating holes.
Sandpaper (optional, for smoothing).

Safety Gear:

Gloves and goggles.

Preparation

Set Up Workspace:
- Create a safe area for carving, drilling, and assembling.
- Provide safety instructions on tool use and handling sharp objects.
Learning Stations:
- Engineering Principles: Explain how the pump drill works using inertia and rotational motion.
- Material Selection: Teach students how to choose sturdy wood or materials for durability.
- Tool Assembly: Demonstrate each step of the construction process.
Sample Pump Drill: Have a completed drill for demonstration.

Challenge Instructions

Step 1: Construct the Drill Shaft

Find or cut a straight branch or dowel about 18–24 inches long.
Carve one end to securely hold the drill bit or sharp object.

Step 2: Create the Flywheel

Select a heavy material (e.g., stone, wood disk, or metal plate).
Drill or carve a hole in the center to fit snugly onto the shaft.
Slide the flywheel onto the shaft and secure it with glue, wedges, or cordage.

Step 3: Make the Handle and Cord Mechanism

Drill a hole through the shaft near the top, leaving enough space for the handle to move freely.
Insert the crossbar through the hole to serve as the handle.
Tie a length of cordage to the top of the shaft, loop it around the crossbar, and tie it back to the shaft below the handle.

Step 4: Assemble the Drill

Attach the drill bit to the bottom of the shaft using glue, a notch, or lashings.

Step 5: Test the Pump Drill

Place the bit against a soft wood surface or material to drill.
Pump the crossbar up and down to create rotational motion.
Adjust cord tension or flywheel weight as needed for optimal performance.

Challenge Variations

Timed Challenge: Compete to construct a functional pump drill within a set time.
Material Scavenger Hunt: Include a search for natural or salvaged components.
Advanced Engineering: Test designs for efficiency by drilling through progressively tougher materials.
Decorative Challenge: Award points for creativity in the appearance of the finished drill.

Debrief and Reflection

Discuss the role of tools like the pump drill in historical and survival contexts.
Reflect on challenges faced during construction and how they were overcome.
Encourage students to share insights about teamwork, resourcefulness, and innovation.

This challenge combines hands-on learning with engineering principles, perfectly aligned with Acton Academy's philosophy of fostering curiosity and self-directed growth.