About this resource
Lesson focuses on water storage and how engineering helps communities preserve and supply water to populations. Students work in teams to design and build a water tower out of everyday materials that can "supply" and "shut off" water as needed. The system will need to deliver water in a controlled manner to a paper cup that is about 36 inches or 90 cm away in a controlled manner. They design their tower, build and test their system, evaluate their results, and share observations with their class. Students explore how engineers have solved societal problems such as water delivery and storage. Students work in teams to develop a water tower out of everyday materials that can deliver water in a controlled manner to a paper cup.
Modifications for all Learners: Have students test their designs to see if they are scalable by doubling and tripling the distance from the water source to the cup. Use technology to design your water tower.
Curriculum & Standards
Related General Curriculum / Common Core Area
Sustainability/Environmental Science/Engineering/Math
Related Curriculum / Common Core Standard
AASL Main Standard(s): V. EXPLORE Discover and innovate in a growth mindset developed through experience and reflection. B. Create - Learners construct new knowledge by: 1. Problem solving through cycles of design, implementation, and reflection. 2. Persisting through self-directed pursuits by tinkering and making.
- EXPLORE Discover and innovate in a growth mindset developed through experience and reflection. C. Share - Learners engage with the learning community by: 1. Expressing curiosity about a topic of personal interest or curricular relevance. 2. Co-constructing innovative means of investigation. 3. Collaboratively identifying innovative solutions to a challenge or problem.
Related STEM Area: Engineering/Technology/Math
NGSS Main Related Engineering Design Standard: MS-ETS1-1. Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.
HS-ETS1-2. Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.
What students will do
- As a result of this activity students will develop an understanding of engineering design.
- As a result of this activity students will develop an understanding of water systems.
- As a result of this activity students will develop teamwork.
Students will
- learn about engineering design and redesign
- learn about water delivery systems
- learn how engineering can help solve society's challenges
- learn about teamwork and problem solving
Resources Needed
Student Resource Sheets and Student Worksheets
Classroom Materials (water source, bucket or sink area)
Student Team Materials: paper cups, straws, paper towels, rubber bands, paper clips, tape, balloons, soda bottle, glue, string, foil, plastic wrap, pens, pencils, paper, hose or tubes, siphon materials, paper towels, other items available in the classroom.
How learning is assessed
- As a result of this activity students developed an understanding of engineering design.
- As a result of this activity students developed an understanding of water systems.
- As a result of this activity students developed teamwork.