Lesson Focus

This lesson demonstrates how a hydraulic pump works. Students work in teams to design and build a unique water fountain that employs a hydraulic pump.

Download:

Full Lesson Plan
Student Worksheets

Translated Lessons:

Age Levels:

10 – 18

Objectives

  • Explore hydraulic pumps.
  • Design & build a water fountain.
  • Implement the engineering design process to solve the design challenge.

Anticipated Learner Outcomes

As a result of this activity, students will have:

  • Explored hydraulic pumps.
  • Designed & built a water fountain.
  • Implemented the engineering design process to solve the design challenge.

Lesson Activities

Students discuss water fountains and pumps. Student teams then observe a demonstration of a hydraulic pump. Next they will design, build, test, and redesign their own unique water fountain. Each team will demonstrate their water fountain and share their responses to reflection questions.

Resources/Materials

  • Teacher Resource Documents (attached)
  • Student Resource Sheet (attached)
  • Student Worksheets (attached)

Alignment to Curriculum Frameworks

Curriculum alignment sheet is included in PDF.