Making a 
waterwheel
(You can extend this into a physics lesson,
to integrate social studies and science!)
 You need:
  • 2 paper or plastic plates
  • a stapler
  • pencil or dowel
  • scissors
  • small paper or plastic cups  (bathroom size)
  • about 2 feet of string

    •  
1.  Holding the two plates together, make a hole in the center of both, using the point of the scissors.

2.  Staple as many cups as possible around the edges of one plate. 

2.  Staple the second plate onto the other side of the cups.  The cups will be sandwiched between the plates.  Push the pencil or dowel through the holes.

3.  Hold the water wheel under a faucet and turn on the water.  Let the pencil or dowel turn in your hands.  What happens to the wheel?
 
4.  Make your water wheel work!  Tightly tie one end of the string onto the dowel or pencil, and the other end to something you'd like to lift, like a pen or a pair of scissors.  Turn on the water again.  Will the wheel lift the object?  How much weight will it lift?

Back to preparing for the trip.