TCDSB STEAM: Re-purposing Materials

Four Activities

Carmelo CucchiSTEAM Resource

PLASTIC BOTTLE CHALLENGEUsing only a few household items, and some bought, how many ways can I use one 2 liter plastic bottle?

Project OneWater Displacement

Really simple starter project. Or is it?

Place the closed, empty 2 liter plastic bottle into the bucket of water and see how much the water rises.

Then, fill the 2 liter plastic bottle with water and place it into the bucket of water and see if there is a difference in water height.

Question: Does the mass of the object have an effect on displacement or is it the shape, or both?

Archimedes' principle states that the upward buoyant force that is exerted on a body immersed in a fluid, whether fully or partially submerged, is equal to the weight of the fluid that the body displaces. Archimedes' principle is a law of physics fundamental to

fluid mechanics. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archimedes'_principle

Project TwoRocket Propulsion

Rockets are fun, and more fuel means more power!

Tape the paper straw to the 2 liter plastic bottle and thread the string through the straw. Tie the string across a distance, let’s say 3m. Blow up a balloon, but don’t tie it off, and tape it to the bottle. Hold the “rocket balloon” at one end and let go!

Then, add more balloons.

Questions: Does it go much faster? Kinda faster? What could make it go faster? Is there a way to control the speed?

What is propulsion? The word is derived from two Latin words: pro meaning before or forwards and pellere meaning to drive. Propulsion means to push forward or drive an

object forward. A propulsion system is a machine that produces thrust to push an object forward. On airplanes, thrust is usually generated through some application of Newton's third law of action and reaction. A gas, or working fluid, is accelerated by the engine,

and the reaction to this acceleration produces a force on the engine.https://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/bgp.html

Project ThreeBird Feeder

We should support our local wildlife - we’ve taken so much!

Cut or poke a hole ( the size of the spoon ) through the feeder from one side straight to the other and insert the spoon. The cup part of the spoon will be both the perch and the plate. Fill up the plastic bottle with bird feed, close the cap tight, and gently fold up the plastic on the feed side of the spoon. Tie a string to the neck and hang it off a tree or place on a window sill. Observe!

Questions: What kinds of birds have you attracted?How much bird seed is eaten? What other animals are attracted to the feeder?

The most critical threat facing threatened birds is the destruction and fragmentation of habitat. The loss of forests, plains and other natural systems into agriculture, mines, and urban developments, the draining of swamps and

other wetlands, and logging reduce potential habitat for many species. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird_conservation

***Always exercise caution when using sharp tools and objects. Ask an adult for help

Project FourHerb Planter

Growing herbs to add flavour to our food is easier than you think!

Cut the 2 liter plastic bottle about 3 cm below the cone part, and remove the cap. Flip this part into the base and fill with garden soil. Make a hole in the soil, and drop some herb seeds in ( rosemary or thyme, etc ) and and cover them up. Add water and wait. Add water and wait...

Questions: What herbs does your family usually use? What other kinds could you grow to learn about? Create a table to chart the progress of your seedlings.

No kitchen is too small to accommodate a pot or two of fresh herbs; even a windowsill has room for a little basil and coriander. A porch, yard or garden can afford a tub of mint, chives, sage, rosemary and oregano, which will last for years and become as much a staple to the kitchen as an herb rack (and

smell much more appetising). https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/growing-your-own-herbs

***Always exercise caution when using sharp tools and objects. Ask an adult for help

Results?How did your projects turn out?

Draw your projects, or paste images physically or digitally into the spaces below.

And most importantly. Did you come up with better ideas? Show those off too and let everyone see what happens when time, materials, capable hands and an active mind can do!