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Grades K–2 · History & Evidence

How could flowing water help a mill grind grain?

A watermill used moving water to help do work. Water pushed against parts of a wheel and made it turn. A channel could guide the water toward the wheel.

Z004 visual explanationWater movement can become useful rotation; drive; water wheel; grinding stones; A simplified mechanical route; people manage water, grain and maintenance.Water movement can become useful rotationdrivewater wheelgrinding stonesA simplified mechanical route; people manage water, grain and maintenance.

In the diagramWater movement can become useful rotationdrivewater wheelgrinding stonesA simplified mechanical route; people manage water, grain and maintenance.

Water turns an example wheel, which passes rotation through a simplified drive to a grinding stone. Arrows connect water movement, mechanical movement and ground grain.

The turning wheel was connected to machinery inside the mill. In a grain mill, that movement could turn one grinding stone near another. Grain passing between the working surfaces was broken into smaller pieces.

The flour could then be used to make food. People still had to bring grain, manage the mill and keep it working. Flowing water supplied movement that helped with a heavy job.

About this explanation

Starting knowledge: Recognize a turning wheel and know that rubbing or crushing can break grain into smaller pieces.

Connect this idea: Energy & Motion

Sources

  • National Park Service — Cable Mill Historic Area
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