Project 3: Pressure Bottle

Project Proposal

1. What is the engineering principle that the children will learn?

   This project will allow children to learn about principles of pressure as it relates to the temperature of the liquid.

2. What is the activity?

   This activity consists of play doh, a glass bottle, a straw, water, and food coloring. After raising the water to a level above the water in the bottle and sealing the bottle airtight with play doh, it will be possible for children to see the water in the straw change level. This, along with some explanation, will allow them to see pressure principles at work.

3. What age group is this activity designed for?

   Middle school students should be able to grasp the concepts fairly easily.

4. What will the children do and how will they learn by doing your activity?

   The children will basically make the entire barometer apparatus. However, it will be somewhat difficult for them to grasp all the concepts behind the system without some explanations. After a thorough explanation, the students should be able to understand why the water level in the straw moves up and down.

5. What will be in your activity box? If appropriate, include a sketch of the activity.

   Play doh, a glass bottle, a straw, food coloring.

6. How does your activity meet the requirements given above?

   This activity merely shows them the concept of pressure. The changing water levels can easily be related to hydraulic lifts and other such devices. This is quite safe and nontoxic to children, with no sharp or hot parts. This will occupy children for approximately 20-30 minutes, not including explanation time. 30 of these activity kits should easily fit within a compact car.