Grouping: Pairs
Take-home: Water-lifting machine/model
Key ideas: Mechanical systems, water transport, simple machines, iterative engineering, efficiency.
Start with: Show several historical ways to move water uphill.
Success check: Device moves a measurable amount of water to a higher container.
Try changing: Handle size; scoop/cup spacing; speed; incline.
Preparation: Prepare waterproof test stations and several mechanism examples.
Lesson flow: Day 1: Choose mechanism → build
Day 2: Test water lifted in a fixed time → identify losses → redesign
Video:
Build a Machine to Lift Water - STEM Lesson Plan
Safety and cleanup: Water trays only; wipe spills immediately; teacher handles sharp tools/hot glue.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2lzgTmb3z4