Fulfills part of Step 2 of GSUSA Brownie Think Like an Engineer journey requirements.
Items Needed:
- cardboard, foam board, or a plastic container (for the base)
- Straws, skewers, or pipe cleaners (for structure)
- Tape or glue
- Aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or cardboard (for collecting water)
- Scissors
- Small container or bowl (to collect water)
- Spray bottle or running water from a sink faucet (to simulate rain)
Instructions:
Remember not to give your scouts instructions when doing the Think Like an Engineer project. Only the challenge and various supplies. These Step-by-Step instructions are more for the leaders to understand what others have done. Leaders can use the knowledge to provide hints when scouts might get stuck during the creative process.
- Build the Frame: Use cardboard, foam board, or a plastic container as the base, and attach straws or skewers to create a structure that directs water into the container.
- Create the Water Collector: Use aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or cardboard to design a surface that captures water and channels it down into the container.
- Secure the Design: Use tape or glue to hold everything in place and make sure it’s sturdy.
- Test It: Use a spray bottle to mist water above the device, simulating rain (or use running water from a sink faucet). Observe how well the device collects and directs the water into the container.
- Adjust and Improve: Modify the structure or materials as needed to improve water collection.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Water Collection by Curiosity Machine
- Water Collection Device Video by Lakes and Pines Council
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