Designing a Faster Water Pump

Kidwind Small Water Pump
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Intended Grade Level(s):
2-5
Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Solar Photovoltaic
Learning Goal(s):

Students will be able to use available tools to design and test a solar water pump, refine their design, test and finally evaluate their efforts. Through this process students will understand and gain experience with the engineering design process.

Unit:
Understanding Science and Engineering Through Solar Power
Lesson Number:
7
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Project-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
2: Developing and Using Models,
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Relevant NGSS PE:
4-PS3-2,
4-PS3-4,
3-5-ETS1-1,
3-5-ETS1-2
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour 30 min
Relevant Common Core Standard(s):
2.W.8,
3.W.7,
4.W.7,
4.W.9,
3.MD.2
Files Associated with this Activity:
PDF icon lesson7-pump-design.pdf
PDF icon solar-module-mirror-holder-cutout.pdf
PDF icon solar-student-worksheets-part14.pdf
PDF icon solar-student-worksheets-part15.pdf
PDF icon solar-student-worksheets-part16.pdf
PDF icon solar-student-worksheets-part17.pdf
PDF icon solar-student-worksheets-part18.pdf
PDF icon solar-student-worksheets-part19.pdf
PDF icon solar-student-worksheets-part20.pdf
Description:

Students use all their prior knowledge to design and construct a water pump that can pump 1 cup of water the fastest.

Science Kit Material(s) Used:
1.5-Volt 500mA Solar Module
2-Volt, 500mA Solar Modules
Kidwind Small Water Pump
Other Material(s) Used:
(4) Mirrors • (2) Solar Module/Mirror Holders • Two small clear plastic tubs (small sandwich containers work well) with a cup measurement line marked on both (at one-cup and two-cup measurement points) • Masking tape • Stop watch