Tying science to history: Making rope by hand

Make cordage (rope) from fiber and begin exploring the development of technology as it relates to ropes and suspension bridge components.

Please find a printable PDF of this activity here.

People have had the need to make cordage and rope for thousands of years: from simple string to hang household items, to ropes to rig the sails and mooring lines in ships, to the steel cables in modern suspension bridges.
Through experimentation people have learned to engineer stronger and longer lasting rope from different materials.

Several strands of single strand fiber such as raffia, string, or wool yarn, cut into 15" lengths

Take two lengths of fiber and try to work this fiber into rope. Most will simply twist the fibers and will notice that the fiber unwinds too easily.
Hold the two strands in your left hand, holding both of them at the top with your thumb.
Grab the strand on the right with your right thumb, and rolling it between your thumb, twist the fiber clockwise.
Wrap this strand around the other fiber in a counterclockwise direction, crossing it over and then under.
Twist the fiber clockwise, and cross it over and under again.
Repeat this twisting and crossing over until you have the length of cord desired.
The pattern should look like a machine-made rope. The friction holds the fibers in place, locking them together.

Making most rope is easy, but the physics of ropes is fascinating! Research and discuss the development of rope-making technology through human history.
Research the design of modern suspension bridges; build and test some bridge models.
Use newly made rope to practice common mariner’s knots.
Research the advantages/disadvantages of various fibers used in ropes through history.
Experiment with natural fibers from your area (like milkweed or dogbane), or recycle by using strips from plastic shopping bags.
Investigate the types and sources of marine debris.