Aldrin Third-Graders Explore Simple Machines at Colvin Run Mill

By Dan Dyke, Vice President, Friends of Colvin Run Mill

Photo courtesy of Colvin Run Mill

Aldrin Elementary School third-graders traveled back in time May 1 with a hands-on field trip to historic Colvin Run Mill in Great Falls. The visit aligned with Virginia’s Standards of Learning for Force, Motion, and Energy, offering students an engaging look at simple machines in action.

Built around 1810, Colvin Run Mill once powered a thriving community of farmers and merchants. For more than 120 years, it operated as a merchant mill, grinding grain with a massive, water-powered system that still runs today.

Teachers Jennifer Turner, Jennifer Bullen, Raju Tiwana, and Ivette Retrey guided their students through the working mill, where they explored the six simple machines—wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, lever, screw, and wedge. Students saw how these tools made the miller's job easier and more efficient.

Ethan called the water wheel and gears “cool.” Parisha said she couldn’t wait to share what she’d learned about friction and machines. Amelie, another student, said the pulley was her favorite “because it’s kind of fun.”

The trip made science—and history—come alive.