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Escher

From Wikiversity

Problem

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Escher drawings can be made into 3D objects that if looked at in the right lighting, at the right angle, create an illusion ... typically of water going up hill or balls rolling up hill. These illusions make great demonstration devices that illustrate engineering and art to kids and start interesting conversations.

Conceive

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Escher drawings can be drawn in 3D software and then physically modeled so their percularities become more exposed. Project doesn't have to include a water pump.

  • This project has to have a chin rest system so the eye lines create the illusion.
  • Videoing the illusion is a must
  • Lighting is going to be very important

Design

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Ball up hill
Sketchup 3D sketch

Link to the sketchup file

Build work:

Build Instructions:

  • cut out a 25cm by 12cm piece of cardboard to use the base
  • cut out eight 2cm by 5cm pieces for the columns
  • glue these pieces together long-wise to form two rectangular prisms
  • cut out two 4cm by 4cm pieces and glue them centered to the tops of the columns
  • glue the columns to the base so that the tops' edge is 19cm from the other
  • cut out the ramp piece as shown in the picture
  • The ends need to be 19cm apart, with the apex 5cm from the right end
  • slightly bend the ramp in the apex
  • glue ramp piece in between columns
  • cut out two 2cm by 6cm rectangles
  • cut slants into the two shorter ends as shown below
  • cut out two more 2cm by 6cm pieces
  • glue these long-ways to the pieces you just cut out as shown in the picture
  • glue these supports to the base and the bottom of the ramp as pictured below
  • coat everything with white paper
  • fold 1cm wide strips of paper and glue them around the ramps and column tops
  • this is so the balls don't roll off the ramps
  • get a medium sized box
  • cut out a hole so that a viewer can observe the illusion
  • the hole's position can differ depending on the exact proportions of the model
  • trace an outline of the model's base
  • cut this square out about 2cm from the line, then cut the line out
  • glue this frame into position in the box
Waterfall

Build work:

Waterpump work: Goal is to build method pumping Water up 1 foot. Here are some photos of making the siphon of different types.

Implement

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Operate

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presentation

Next Steps

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  • Make video of 2 ramp
  • Create demo of the 2 ramp
  • Draw water fall
  • Make the four ramp