Measure the Speed of a Water Leak

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In this activity (page 2 of PDF under GPS: Glaciers Activity), learners will measure the rate at which water streams out of a leaky cup. Learners mark the side of the cup every 10 seconds while water streams out of a hole at the bottom, taking note of how the pattern of marks changes as the water flows. Relates to the linked video, DragonflyTV GPS: Gravity Fountain.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • several tall paper cups
  • a 6-penny nail
  • masking tape
  • a sink or bin to work in
  • water
  • a permanent marker
  • string
  • scissors
  • a watch with a second hand

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Structure
      • Oceans and Water
  • Mathematics
    • Algebra
      • Patterns
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
      • Data Representation
    • Measurement
      • Rate
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
      • Gravity
    • States of Matter
      • Liquids
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Communicating Results

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Source Collection

  • DragonflyTV

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Twin Cities Public Television, Inc., 2007

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation, 610429