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Gigo Learning Lab’s complete series includes 20 individual packages, as well as five school sets. The special features of Gigo’s Learning Lab are as follows:
1. Using GIGO’s “building block” construction-based curriculum, every class has a ready-to-assemble model, and includes time designed to promote individual creativity.
2. Promotes thinking outside-the-box of the traditional educational framework by learning innovation through play!
3. We are all innately good at something, so we should take into account both individual development and the ability to work as part of a team effort.
4. Course levels are designed from elementary to difficult, combining a life sciences-based curriculum with applications from daily life.
5. Experiment using Gigo’s “building blocks”, which can be used over and over again, saving both time and effort.
6. Comes with Gigo’s newly developed 3D Smart Manual, which makes learning how to intelligently assemble each model easier than ever before.
7. Learning Lab’s Cloud Platform allows systematic recording of learning progress.
We hope that kids can enthusiastically learn scientific knowledge through fun hands-on experience, developing their problem-solving abilities, as well as a positive attitude towards science. Our mission is to help children apply their newfound knowledge to daily life, furthering their innovational skills and abilities.
For any questions or inquires. please email to [email protected]
Creative Ability
can be Learned
01 02
Index
07. Water Compression
08. Continuity Equation
10. Monograph (2)
11. Water Density
Appendix: Learning Lab Packages
20. Monograph (4)
19. Applications for Water
18. Water Power
17. Water Jet
16. Hydropower
15. Monograph (3)
14. Pascal's Law
13. Connecting Pipe
12. Capillary Action
09. Water-powered Turbine
04. Water Pressure
05. Monograph (1)
06. Surface Tension
03. Buoyancy
02. Water Potential Energy
01. The Secret of Water
Parts List
Index
Education Philosophy 01 39
03 45
09 53
17 59
23 67
31 75
02 41
05 49
13 57
21 63
27 71
35 77
Gigo Learning Lab’s complete series includes 20 individual packages, as well as five school sets. The special features of Gigo’s Learning Lab are as follows:
1. Using GIGO’s “building block” construction-based curriculum, every class has a ready-to-assemble model, and includes time designed to promote individual creativity.
2. Promotes thinking outside-the-box of the traditional educational framework by learning innovation through play!
3. We are all innately good at something, so we should take into account both individual development and the ability to work as part of a team effort.
4. Course levels are designed from elementary to difficult, combining a life sciences-based curriculum with applications from daily life.
5. Experiment using Gigo’s “building blocks”, which can be used over and over again, saving both time and effort.
6. Comes with Gigo’s newly developed 3D Smart Manual, which makes learning how to intelligently assemble each model easier than ever before.
7. Learning Lab’s Cloud Platform allows systematic recording of learning progress.
We hope that kids can enthusiastically learn scientific knowledge through fun hands-on experience, developing their problem-solving abilities, as well as a positive attitude towards science. Our mission is to help children apply their newfound knowledge to daily life, furthering their innovational skills and abilities.
For any questions or inquires. please email to [email protected]
03
P a r t s L i s t01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
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24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Long Frame
Short Frame
Dual Frame
Square Frame
Dual Rod
11-hole Rod
11-hole Prolate Rod
5-hole Rod
5-hole Rod-III
3-hole Rod
3-hole Dual Rod
Bended Rod
Cross Axle 3CM
Cross Axle 6CM
Cross Axle 7CM
Cross Axle 10CM
Cross Axle 15CM
20T Gear
40T Gear
60T Gear
10T Sprocket
20T Sprocket
30T Sprocket
S Pulley
Racing Tire
Hydraulic Turbine
Storage Tank
Pump with Bundle
PET bottle with Bundle
Pneumatic PET Bottle Cap
Pneumatic Nozzle
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
One-way Switch with Bundle
Two-way Switch with Bundles
L Bundle Nut
S Bundle Nut
L Hydraulic Cylinder
Pneumatic Nozzle Switch
Nozzle
Ring with 8 Pegs
Multi Direction Axle Connector
with Generator
Thick Pipe
Thin Pipe
L Ring
Washer
Cross Axle Fixer
Cross Axle Connector
Bar
Worm Gear
LED
90-degree Converter-I
90-degree Converter-II
Drive Chain
Loose Axle
L Connecting Peg
S Connecting Peg
Hollow Tube 3CM
Crank
Base Grid Connector
Base Grid
Axle
Spanner
04
61
x1
1
x4
2
x4
4
x4
6
x6
9
x4
10
x4
11
x6 x2
12
x4
x4
x5
5150
x4x2x2
x2x1
x1
x2x1
x2x1
x3x1
x2x1
x2x1
x1
4641
3533
13
x1
14 15
x2
16
x1
17
18
x7
19
x2
20 21
x2
4540
3432
x2x2 x2
x1 x2x1
x1 x1
x2
x1
24 25
26 362827 37
38
29
53
x7
54
x30 x8
55 57 59
x4
58
x5x2
3
x1
5
x4
8
x4
7
x1
22
x1
23
52
x100
4342
30
4439
31
47
48 49
x1
x1
56
x2
60
x2
S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming01The Secret of Water
What impact would there be on our daily lives if there was no longer any water on Earth?
The term “water cycle”, also known as the hydrologic cycle, refers to the journey
that water takes. It’s an endless cycle that has neither a start nor an end point. First, the clouds release
rain, which is absorbed into soil, reservoirs, and rivers. Rain that accumulates in rivers and oceans will evaporate and reform new clouds. This is water’s natural cycle. If rain enters a reservoir, it will then go through a water purification plant before being delivered to each family. All used water will be drained out of their homes, and will go through a sewage treatment facility before exiting out into the ocean. This is also part of the water cycle.
Tony is very interested in mechanics, and so he decided to participate in the annual Engineering Competition held by the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers). In preparation for the competition, he went to consult with one of the senior students.
The older student had joined the same competition last year. The theme of their final project was called “Rain: The Untapped Energy.” They were required to design a device that could push a model car forwards by transforming collected rain into dynamic force. The participants only had one month to complete their design.
After listening to the experiences shared by his senior schoolmate, Tony was excited to try out the competition this year. He immediately invited
some of his friends. They all shared his interests in joining the competition. They hope they can take home the First Prize trophy.
If you were Tony, how would you d e s i g n y o u r device?
Water Cycle
Daily
Application
x2
x1
x1
x1
x1
x2
x2
x1x2
x2
x1 x1
1
41
35
34
32
28
27 29
59
58
8
42
01
03
02
04
05 06
1 2 3
ModelAssembled
ExperimentComplete
Model Creation
Experiment
Time
ArtAttack
Try to draw all the possible water cycles and stick them on the model.
Try to place a few drops of colored ink into some water. Then observe and record the path the water moves in.
Evaluation
05
09
07
11
06
10
08
12
Thick Pipe
Thin Pipe
0807
S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming02Water Potential Energy
Where is more sui table for a general purpose water tank, the ground floor or the top floor?
A watering pot is a common gardening tool that’s useful in small gardens. It is
generally made of plastic, and normally has a large handle on the side. It’s body is principally a bucket. Once the
bucket is filled with the water, you only need to lift and lean the pot, and then aim its spout at the flowerpot. As you lean the pot, water will begin pouring out the end of the spout. The control that the watering pot provides makes watering your garden easy.
Paul is very excited that he is going to the water park today. The biggest attraction at the water park is their famous water slide. The curved slide is over three stories tall, and goes to all the way down to the big swimming pool below. Paul quickly ran to the top of the water slide and immediately slid down. Soon he dropped out from the bottom of the slide and into the large pool.
Paul quickly went to over his mom and shared the scary feeling he had in the water slide tube. It was exactly the same feeling he had during his last night dream. In his dream, he entered a world full of giants, who began chasing him. With the giants quickly gaining on him, Paul saw a huge watering pot not too far ahead. He jumped into the pot without hesitation. After a period
of shaking, he was drawn into the entrance of it’s spout. Suddenly, Paul began sliding down really fast. He woke up as he was almost at the spout’s exit. Paul’s Mom said that this was because he had been thinking of going the water park all day, which affected his dreams at night.
Watering
Pot
Daily
Application
x4
x25
x1 x8
1
x6
6
53
54
59
58
x2
5
x7 x1
x2
x2
x2
12
x7
18
x4
x2
19
20
x1
27
55
57
x1
x4
x4
9
11
8
48
x2
x1
13
15
x5
14
x4
4
01
03
02
04
09 10
1 2 3
ModelAssembled
ExperimentComplete
Model Creation
Experiment
Time
ArtAttack
Evaluation
Try modifying the model so that it can spray water further than before.
Try to record the distance the water sprays at for different water levels.
05
09
07
11
06
10
08
12
1211
S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming03Buoyancy
What a re some examples o f buoyancy in everyday life?
If you were to open the top of your toilet and look inside, you would see that the biggest object inside is
a floating ball. Because of its buoyancy, the ball moves up and down in congruence with the water level. When the water level reaches a
certain height, the ball becomes a switch. As the water level rises inside the tank, the ball rises as well, lifting the float arm attached to it. When the float arm is raised high enough, it lowers a valve plunger, shutting off any further incoming water. This helps prevent the tank from overflowing.
Time seems to have flown by this semester, and it’s going to end shortly. Sarah hopes to get a good grade on her final exam. She invites her friends to go to a nearby mountain and make a wish using some balloons.
Since this is the first time Sarah has climbed the mountain, her mother reminds her to plan their hiking route in advance. As the temperature might drop when they get higher up on the mountain, Sarah’s mom warns her to stay warm and dry. She gives Sarah and her friends some cookies and water.
Later that day, Sarah and her friends safely made it to the top of the mountain. After catching their breath, each one grabbed a balloon and filled them with air. After writing down a wish on the balloon, they all counted to three, and then released them into the sky before walking back home.
Why won’t the balloons sink?
Water Power
Daily
Application
01
03
02
04
x4
x1 x1
x1
x1
x4
x2
x2
2
27
29
59
8
4
53
39
* Remove the cap of storage tank. 1413
1 2 3
ModelAssembled
ExperimentComplete
Model Creation
Experiment
Time
ArtAttack
Evaluation
Try to modify the model to emulate the equipment used to make a toilet flush.
How would the balance change if we were to place a different-sized balloon in the storage tank?
05
09
07
11
06
10
08
1615
S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming04Water Pressure
D o d i f f e r e n t l i q u i d s h a v e different pressures?
Every time we open a soda bottle, a lot of bubbles begin to form. This is because
a huge amount of CO2 was infused into the sugar water as a result of the high pressure environment inside the bottle. This is partly how sodas are made. When you open the cap, all the CO2 gets released. The highly pressurized gas expands until it reaches equilibrium with the atmospheric pressure outside the bottle.
One weekend, Walter’s family went to a restaurant for a family gathering. When Walter walked through the restaurant entrance, he saw a fish whose eyes and tongue were popping out. He wondered if this fish perhaps had been roughed up, so he asked his mother.
His mom didn’t know what kind of the fish it was either, nor did she have any idea why the fish’s appearance was so unique, so they asked the owner. The owner explained that what they were seeing was not the fish’s tongue, but its air bladder, and that no one should ever ever say that it looks ugly. After all, it was the most delicious deep-sea fish of the season. After the restaurant owner’s explanation, Watt realized why this fish looked so unique. He had learned about this species before from a book. Because this fish used to live in the deep sea, its body was used to a high level of pressure. After it got caught, the pressure around its body decreased a lot, causing its
eyes to pop out and its organs to become exposed.
B8-4A
Weight Lifting
Machine
Daily
Application
x4
x2
x2 x1
x4 x1x1
x1 x3 x18
x2
x2 x1 x1
x2
x2
1 2
6
9
10
5041
35
33
14
16
45
34
3628
29
53
54
59
58
5
42
x1 x6 x2
x1 x2 x2
01
03
02
04
1817
1 2 3
ModelAssembled
ExperimentComplete
Model Creation
Experiment
Time
ArtAttack
Evaluation
Try to increase the model’s ability to lif t heavier objects.
How does the lif ting force dif fer, from before pressing the pump to after? Try to find out the maximum weight limit.
05
09
07
11
06
10
08
19 20
From what you have learned so far, try to use the special characteristics of water to build a rotating sprinkler.
21 22
1
2
3
ModelDesign
ModelCreation
Winner!
DesignConcept
My Artwork
S e s s i o n
Monograph
Evaluation
03. Water Power
02. Watering Pot
04. Weight Lifting Machine
051
ModelReview
01. Water Cycle
S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming06Surface Tension
W h a t f a c t o r s w o u l d i m p a c t surface tension?
If you were to lightly place a paper clip on the surface of some water, you would find that
the water’s surface tension would prevent the clip from sinking. Water is a combination of many molecules.
These molecules are tightly packed at the surface, creating an intermolecular force. This force is known as “surface tension”.
Tony saw a soap bubble competition on TV. Curious, Tony continued watching the competition, growing more and more interested with every contender. Every player had their own special trick to extend the bubble as long as they could without it popping. What is the trick for extending the bubble? What theory of physics is behind it? In order to figure it out, Tony went to see his grandfather. His grandfather asked Tony to recall whether or not the bubbles he blew when he was little were round. Grandpa explained that the surface of a liquid is like an elastic film; it always tries to find the smallest and the smoothest surface. Since a sphere has the smallest possible area for any volume, a liquid’s surface always forms into a round shape when there is no external force applied to it, such as being exposed to zero gravity in space, or when a liquid is filled with gas and blown into the air. This is why all soap bubbles are spherical.
Grandpa wanted to take this chance to test Tony. He asked, “What animal takes advantage of surface tension in order to walk?” Tony replied, “A water strider!”
Daily
Application
The surface
of a Liquid
x2 x259
4
x2
x1
x1
x1
x1
2
6
5
x1
18
x1
19
x1
20
x1
27
x1
46x1
47
x2
45
8
16x10
54
58
x2
x2
60
01
03
02
04
2423
ModelAssembled
ExperimentComplete
Model Creation
Evaluation
Try to see how many drive chains can be put in the storage tank without sinking.
Try to place some drive chains or paper clips onto the water and see what things can float on its surface.
1 2 3
Experiment
Time
ArtAttack
05
09
07
11
06
10
08
12
2625
S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming07Water Compression
Why do we use a gas instead of a liquid when using a tire pump?
From a physical perspective, one liter of water and one liter of air are very different. For example, if we were to place both at a depth of 100 meters underwater, a liter of water would remain the same size; however, the liter of air would be compressed and flattened. Water, broadly speaking, is an incompressible fluid. Exploiting this characteristic, people can use water to build hydraulic tools, as well as to develop specialized engineering techniques. A good example would be hydraulic fracturing, which is currently being used to promote the shale oil and gas revolution in the United States. Using high amounts of pressure, oil companies can force water down into wells that they’ve dug into the ground. Because water does not compress, it pushes against the shale rocks, forcing them to break and crumble. The shale oil and gas are then both pushed up to the surface. Incompressible fluids are also crucial for hydraulic cylinders, a commonly used engineering tool. Hydraulic based-systems, like those found in construction
equipment, often use a hydraulic cylinder to help them dig, lift and move around. Combined with a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic cylinder works by converting the hydraulic force of oil under pressure into mechanical movement for the arm of a crane, the shovel of a bulldozer, etc.
Air 1KGAir 1KG Water 1KGWater 1KG
B8-7A
A long time ago, people learned of the power of water. They started building
water wheels, using the power generated by flowing water to provide the force necessary to move
a sawmill. In the beginning, sawmills were pushed by water wheels, later being replaced by steam and diesel engines. After electricity was discovered, it became the primary supplier of energy for the sawmill.
Sawmill
Daily
Application
x3
x2
x3
x1
x9
x4
x1
x1
x1 x1
x2
x2 x2
1 2
6
941
35
34
28
29
54
59
58
5
42
x1 x2
x1x1x2
x4
4x6
x1x2
11
12
20
27
32
26
44
x2
8
50
53
x4
x2
01
03
02
04
27 28
ModelAssembled
ExperimentComplete
Model Creation
Experiment
Time
ArtAttack
How can we improve the speed of the sawing mill?
Try to pump water and air into the bot t le. Record how many times the sawing motion occurs?
1 2 3Evaluation
05
09
07
11
06
10
08
12
29 30
S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming08Continuity Equation
H ow does t he way i n wh i c h water sprays di f fer when you adjust a showerhead?
Because of its incompressibility, when the same volume of water flows into tubes
of different thicknesses, the water will travel down a thinner tube faster than it will a wider tube. The
relationship between flow area and flow speed is known as the continuity equation. For example, water in a wide, deep river will flow slowly, and will accelerate once it reaches an area of shallow and narrow rapids.
Summer’s arrived! Paul volunteers to water the flowers in his family’s backyard so he can play in the water at the same time. Paul turned on the tap, and grabbed the hose before heading over to start watering the flowers. He quickly realized that the hose was not long enough. When he lifted the hose higher up into the air, the distance the water poured out of it was even smaller than before. Unable to reach the flowers that were farther away, Paul asked his Dad for a longer hose.
Paul’s dad was confused. The original hose was long enough before, so why was it not long enough today? Paul’s dad went into the back yard and began watering the plants himself. Paul was amazed, as his dad could reach all the plants from the same place he had been standing before! Paul noticed that his dad would squeeze the hose according to the distance he wanted the water to travel. Paul tried to mimic his father’s actions, and
discovered that he too could now reach the flowers farthest away from his. Excited, Paul used his new discovery to turn the hose into a water gun.
Do you have any experience using a hose?
Water Gun
Daily
Application
x1
x1x1
x4
x1 x14
x1
x2
x2
1 2
41
35
34
28
29
54
542
x1
x1 x2
x2
x1 x2
32
x2
8x3
9
x2
4
x2
11
x1
10 38
3
56
55
01
03
02
04
01
03
02
04
3231
1 2 3
ModelAssembled
ExperimentComplete
Model Creation
Experiment
Time
ArtAttack
Evaluation
Try to shoot the fixed target by your water gun.
Assemble the cap of storage tank on the tube and record the distance of water spray.
05
09
07
11
06
10
08
33 34
S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming09Water-powered Turbine
What other rotating machinery in our daily lives could be replaced with a water turbine?
The Pelton wheel is an example of a water impulse turbine. Its bucket-based design differed from conventional water wheels
at the time it was built. Its specially designed nozzle could direct forceful streams of water into the buckets of the Pelton wheel. This creates an impulse force, which can rotate a turbine. This rotating turbine powers a generator and produces electricity. Pelton wheel are generally used in area where there is a high-pressure, low-flow water source.
Tony’s teacher said that, nowadays, because young people spend too much time on computers and electronic toys, they have forgotten that there are still so many other interesting things that we can do with our lives.Therefore, Tony’s teacher assigned everyone the task of proposing an alternative activity that was not related to electronics at all. They were to share with the class tomorrow.
After dinner, Tony discussed this task with his dad. His dad said that he used to collect stamps when he was little. Every time the family received any mail, he would keep the stamp as a memorabilia.
Tony’s Dad said that some special events in history were so important that they would be commemorated with their own stamp, and that they were extremely value and meaningful. He picked one stamp from his collection that had a picture of a water-powered turbine. People were standing next to the turbine to demonstrate how big the turbine was. Tony’s father said it was a necessary piece of equipment for water power.
Water-powered
Fan
Daily
Application
x3
x1x1
x1
x1
x12
x1
x2 x1 x1
x2
x2 x2
1 2
6
41
35
34
28
29
54
59
58
542
x1
x2
x1x1
x2
x2
4
x1
27
3226x2
8
46
15
21
01
03
02
04
35 36
ModelAssembled
ExperimentComplete
Model Creation
Experiment
Time
ArtAttack
How c ou ld we make th i s fan have a variable speed function?
Record how fast the fan rotates depending on how much you inflate the model.
1 2 3Evaluation
05
09
07
11
06
10
08
37 38
Using what you have learned so far, design and build a water-powered Coffee-Cup-Ride that we often see at amusement parks.
40
1
2
3
ModelDesign
ModelCreation
Winner!
DesignConcept
My Artwork
S e s s i o n
Evaluation07. Sawmill
09. Water-powered Fan
102
ModelReview
06. The Surface of a Liquid
08. Water Gun
39
Monograph
S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming11Water Density
How does water circulate in a pot during the boiling process?
There was an old man who dragged a gold seller to a police station. The old man claimed that the gold seller had sold him gold that was not pure. The old man claimed that the gold seller had added some impurities to make the gold look bigger; however, the weight of gold was not right. The police officer didn’t know if the old man’s accusations were true or not; therefore, he requested the help of a professor he knew to assist him.
The professor first used a balance scale to measure the weight of the sold gold in order to confirm the weight was correct. Then he used the “Archimedes’ principle” to measure its volume. He found that the volume of the gold was larger than normal. In conclusion, the professor confirmed that the gold was not 100% pure.
Just as the police were putting handcuffs on him, the gold seller quickly picked up the piece of gold off the desk and, using a paperweight, pressed it into a flat shape.
He then asked the professor to measure it again. The professor repeated the “Archimedes’ principle” test and found out that the volume this time had become smaller!! The professor was puzzled. The gold seller explained that some jewelry is designed to be left hollow in the middle. After hearing the seller’s explanation, the professor understood the reason.
B8-11A
Water is a commonly seen substance in our lives. It has many unique qualities. For
example, the density of ice (a solid) is less than the density of water (a liquid). Our ancestors were able
to understand how to take advantage of water’s unique qualities in order to sold problems, even without the knowledge that we have today. In the past, while building roads in the mountains, our ancestors would frequently come across huge rocks that they could not move on their own. When winter would come, they would pour water into any gaps or crevices of the rock. When the water began to freeze into ice, it would expand and cause the rocks to break!
Disappearing
Weight
Daily
Application
x4
x2
x5
x1
x3
x1
1 6
9
29 54
59
58
5
x2
x2
x2 x1
11
27
x1
8
53
x2
x2
x2
x1
x1
x1
15
18
48
51
45
01
03
02
04
4241
1 2 3
ModelAssembled
ExperimentComplete
Model Creation
Experiment
Time
ArtAttack
Evaluation
Try this! Go and find several liquids. Try to discover which one is the densest.
Try to compare the dif ferences in buoyancy between tap water and salt water.
05
09
07
11
06
10
08
12
* Remove the cap of storage tank.
4443
S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming12Capil lar y Action
W hat exam p l e s o f c ap i l l a r y action can we observe from our daily lives?
B8-12A
Capillary action is the ability of liquids to travel up a thin tube, even when moving in
the opposite direction of gravity. This is a result of the intermolecular forces that exist between the
liquid and the surrounding solid surfaces it travels through, namely cohesion and adhesion. Because of this, liquid will travel up a thin tub automatically, without the need of an external force or pressure of any kind. The most common example in nature is the stem of a plant. Water from nearby soil is pulled through the bottom roots of a plant, before traveling up its stem and nourishing the plant’s leaves.
A scientist has invented a “shrinking gun”, which allows him to decrease the volume of any object. One day, while working at the lab, the scientist suddenly collapsed. Unable to get up, he called his doctor for help.
The physician rushed to the scene. Through the use of remote medical equipment, the doctor was able to diagnose a blood clot in one of the blood vessels inside the scientist’s brain. A blood clot in the brain can be extremely dangerous, leading to death if left untreated. This was an emergency; the clot had to be taken care of right away. However, they were far away from the hospital. What can they do?
The scientist informed the doctor that he just completed building a micro-submarine and a shrinking gun. The doctor could use the shrinking gum to miniaturize himself, and then use the micro-submarine to enter into the scientist’s brain to clear out the clot. The doctor did what the scientist suggested. After
successfully removing the clot, the tiny submarine was rapidly sucked into a capillary inside the scientist’s body! Luckily, the submarine was designed with an auto-navigation system, and the doctor was able to make it out and return back to his normal size.
Did you know that there is also capillary action in our capillaries?
Counter
Current
Daily
Application
x19
54
59
58
x2
x2x1
27
x1
45
16
25
x2
x2
x1
x1
x3
x2
1 2
6
5
x3
4
01
03
02
04
45 46
ModelAssembled
ExperimentComplete
Model Creation
Experiment
Time
ArtAttack
Evaluation
Place two different materials on the scale so that they are evenly balanced. See which material exhibits a faster capillary action.
Steep various materials, such as newspaper, t issue, and cotton cloth, into some colored wate r. C ompare how fas t eac h mate r i a l absorbs the water.
1 2 3
05
09
07
11
06
10
08
12
47 48
S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming13Connecting Pipe
What aspects of our daily lives can the principle of connecting tubes be applied to?
B8-13A
If we pour water into tubes of different sizes, we would see that the water level
varies between them. However, if these tubes were all linked together to establish a channel
through a connecting pipe, the water would be able to flow from high-level areas to low-level areas, until it reached an equilibrium. As a result, water levels out in connected pipes when allowed to move freely. This is known as the principle of connecting tubes.
B8-13B
Everyone is excited about today’s class. They all brought two different-sized plastic bottles for their seesaw experiment.
Following the teacher’s instructions, the students all cut off the bottom of their bottles, and drilled a hole in each bottle cap. They then placed a clear tube through the hole in the cap, sealing the area around the hole with clay in order to prevent any leakage. Afterwards, each student fastened the cap back onto the bottle. Paul held his two bottles, which were now linked together via a single clear tube, so that they were kept at the same level. He then asked Helen to pour some water into each bottle. He noticed that the water level in the
tube was equal on both sides. When Paul lifted the right bottle higher, the water flowed to the left bottle. When he reversed the movement, the water flowed to back to the right. Paul repeated the experiment over and over again, watching as the water flowed up and down between the two bottles, just like a seesaw. Do you think the size of the containers will effect how the water seesaw will work?
Daily
Application
Gauge Level
x1
x4
x4
1 2
6
x1
4
x4
9
x4 x4
11
x4
x14
10
5442
x1
51
01
03
02
04
49 50
ModelAssembled
ExperimentComplete
Model Creation
Experiment
Time
ArtAttack
Evaluation
How can we improve the precision of the level gauge?
Drop some colored ink into the water inside the connecting tubes, and use it to measure the levelness of the table. If the table is not even, try adjusting it unti l the water in the tubes moves back into balance.
1 2 3
05
09
07
11
06
10
08
51 52
S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming14Pascal 's Law
What is the dif ferent between this kind of scale and a regular scale?
B8-14A
The principle behind a hydraulic jack is an example of Pascal’s Law. Using a hydraulic
jack, we can lift up an entire car with just the force of our hand. When applying a force to a piston inside of a small
area, the pressure created is transmitted without loss through a pipeline over to a bigger piston. Because the area around the bigger piston is wider, the original force grows larger as well. This enables us to lift heavy object with relatively little force.
One day, a circus decided to hold a special event to attract tourists. The main event was to have an elephant act as a scale for judging people’s weights. Walter and his father knew of an old Chinese story about a man figuring out how to measure the weight of an elephant, but they had never heard of using an elephant to measure a human’s weight before. Intrigued, the two decided to visit the circus on the weekend.
At the circus was a huge electronic scale. The circus owner first brought the elephant up onto the scale so that it’s weight could be measured. Afterwards, the elephant was led to a giant platform. Once the elephant stood still, the owner invited a volunteer to the stage.
Walter naturally volunteered himself to be the one to go on stage. He was led to a smaller platform next to the elephant. As Walter stood there, the owner walked over to the elephant’s side and whispered in its ear. Afterwards, the owner walked
down the stage with a piece of paper in his hand. The owner claimed that the elephant had informed him of Walter’s weight. The owner asked Walter to share his weight with everyone. At the same moment, the owner opened the piece of paper he held, and showed it to the audience. The number on the paper matched Walter’s we ight ! The aud ienc e applauded in amazement.
Balance
Daily
Application
x3
x4
x1
2
6
5
x1
42
x1
51
x22
54
59
x2
53
x436
7
x4
x2
x1
9
01
03
02
04
53 54
ModelAssembled
ExperimentComplete
Model Creation
Experiment
Time
ArtAttack
Evaluation
Try to modify the scale so that it becomes a jack.
Add two of the same object onto each end of the scale. If the scale is not balance, try and find out why.
1 2 3
05
09
07
11
06
10
08
55 56
Try and create a piece of equipment for pumping water. Try and test the limits of how high you can get the water to spray.
58
1
2
3
ModelDesign
ModelCreation
Winner!
DesignConcept
My Artwork
S e s s i o n
Monograph
Evaluation
13. Gauge Level
12. Counter Current
14. Balance
153
ModelReview
11. Disappearing Weight
57
S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming16Hydropower
I n r e m o t e a r e a s w h e r e t h e e l e c t r i c a l g r i d c a n ’ t r e a c h , what o ther a l te rnat ive energy sources can be used instead of hydropower?
The general idea behind hydroelectricity is to store lots of water in a dam. Pulled
down by gravity, water flows from a high level to a low level, created a powerful waterfall. The falling water hits a turbine and causes it to turn. The power from the water is converted into mechanical energy. The mechanical energy starts up a generator, which starts generating electricity. Basically, hydropower uses both water’s potential and kinetic energy, and transforms it into electricity. This is still the most widely used form of renewable energy around the world.
Today Helen had a field trip with her class to the nearby reservoir. They also got a chance to visit a hydroelectric dam. The guide at the station gave a very interesting introduction on hydroelectric power.
“Hydroelectric power accounts for 70% of global renewable energy production, with the largest producer of hydroelectric power being China. The Three Gorges Dam is the biggest hydroelectric power station in the world. The second and third largest are the Itaipu Dam.
However, in order to generate hydroelectric power, dams must store huge amounts of water. This may cause irreversible damage to the nearby environment. Therefore, the percentage of hydroelectric dams being built is getting lower and lower each year.”
Have you visited a reservoir before? Have you ever seen the g iant generator inside the power plant?
Daily
Application
Hydroelectric
Generator
x3
x2
x2
x1x1x1
x1
x2
x2
x1
1
41
35
34
28
29
59
58
42
x1
x4
x1 x1
x100x1
x5
x1
27
322616
21
40
23
52
49
01
03
02
04
5959 60
ModelAssembled
ExperimentComplete
Model Creation
Experiment
Time
ArtAttack
Evaluation
How can we extend the length of time that the light bulb stays lit?
Switch to a different sprocket set. What is the impact on power generation?
1 2 3
05
09
07
11
06
10
08
61 62
S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming17Water Jet
W h y d o e s t h e w a t e r s p r a y backwards, yet the car moves fo r wa rd? W hat e l se c an we apply this theory to?
Be careful not to underestimate the potential of water-powered rockets. A group
of inventors spent over ten years designing a water-powered jetpack called the Jetlev-flyer. A Jetlev-
flyer sprays water out of two powerful rockets down against the surface of a body of water such as a lake or ocean. This can push the user over 15 meters into the air, letting them fly around with the power of water alone. Likewise, we shouldn’t undervalue the potential for water-powered cars, as this could be a plausible piece of technology in the future.
B8-17B
After having played with water-powered rockets all last class, the students were anxious to continue the same topic again. However, the teacher informed the students that this time they would need to demonstrate their understanding of the theory behind the water-powered rocket by applying it to a real life situation. In this case, they were to apply the theory in order to create a water-powered car.
One student quickly moved to install four wheels onto the water rocket. Initially, the students felt confident that today’s topic was too easy for them. Using the water rockets they had already prepared, the students declared that they were ready to test their design within minutes. Surprisingly, their design didn’t work! The high-pressure gas inside the half-full water bottle didn’t move the car at all. Undeterred, a discussion arose amongst the students. Another student
suggested installing a pipe that would reach the bottom of the bottle. He believed it would allow the car to start moving.
The teacher confirmed that this was a correct way to do so; however, she said there was an even simpler way to move the car: just place the bottle so that it was slightly inclined. Do you know why inclining the bottle slightly can solve the issue of moving the car?
B8-17A
Daily
Application
Water-
powered car
x4
x2
x1x1 x1 x14
x2
x1
x1
x1
x1 x1
x2 x2
1 2
6
9
41
34
28
29
54
59
5
x1
x1
x4 x2
x1 x2
x1
12
27
x3
8
50
x215
16
24
25
37
43
30
31
01
03
02
04
63 64
ModelAssembled
ExperimentComplete
Model Creation
Experiment
Time
ArtAttack
Evaluation
How can we make the car go further?
Try pumping different amounts of air into the car. How does the distance traveled change each time?
1 2 3
05
09
07
11
06
10
08
12
65 66
S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming18Water Power
What problems may occur if a car were use water as its main power source?
If the wheeled cart and water are designed separately, then the water turbine
is itself a hydro-powered generator. This method is designed for commercial use. The theory behind this
design is to use the force generated by pulses of water to drive a turbine, which in turn generates power. Left in a river for 2-3 hours, the water turbine can fully charge its inner battery, which can prove to be very suitable for outdoor usage in remote areas that are far from conventional power grids.
A hose-reel irrigator is a turbine-driven machine designed to be a fully mechanized, labor-saving irrigation tool used for commercial farming. These machine consist of a wheeled cart and a large sprinkler, more commonly referred to as a “gun”. In addition, there is also a hose reel, and an irrigation hose.
The wheeled cart (called a gun cart) is pulled either by a cable or a hard irrigation hose during operation. The "gun" travels while irrigating, hence the term "traveling gun." This method requires a small turbine on the traveler that is chained or geared to the hose reel. A portion (or all) of the irrigation water flows through this turbine on the way to the gun. The flow of the water pushes vanes or paddles on the turbine, which in turn powers the hose reel. So while the wheeled cart is pulling the “gun” back in towards itself, the gun ejects water automatically, watering the fields as it travels backwards closer to the wheeled cart.
Hose-reel irrigators can be seen as a kind of split water turbine that helps save water and provide energy more efficiently. It also has the advantage of being
mobile, is easy to operate and maintain, and uses water efficiently while ensuring equal coverage of plants in the fields. These advantages can help increase the productivity of commercial farms.
Water Turbine-
powered Vehicle
Daily
Application
x3
x3
x2
x1
x1
x1
x26
x2
x1
x1
x1
x1
x2
x2
1
2 6
9
41
35
34
28
29 54
5
42
x1
x1x1
x1
4
x1
27
3226
x2
x2
x2
24
25 43
17
22
23
x70
52
x4
8
59
x1
01
03
02
04
67 68
ModelAssembled
ExperimentComplete
Model Creation
Experiment
Time
ArtAttack
Evaluation
Hold a race your water turbine-powered vehicles!
Try to pump in air at dif ferent rates. Record the car’s traveled distance each time.
1 2 3
05
09
07
11
06
10
08
69 70
S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming19Applications for Water
W h a t a p p l i c a t i o n s i n o u r d a i l y l i ve s u t i l i ze hyd r a u l i c equipment?
A excavator usually moves via its tracks or its wheels. The upper part consists of a cab on a rotating platform, attached
to an arm and a bucket. Its shape is very unique. It is a type of heavy construction equipment. It’s difficult work is accomplished through the use of hydraulic fluids, hydraulic cylinders, and hydraulic motors, providing it with incredible power, top-level digging capabilities, and maximum energy efficiency.
A giant hydraulic excavator thought he was the strongest in the world. To him, there was no other tool that could compare. He called himself “Hercules” and declared that every other vehicle should listen to his commands.
One day, a pile driver asked Hercules a question, “Why do apples fall down?” Hercules shook his head and shrugged. The pile driver told Hercules that it was because there was another powerful Hercules underground who was pulling down all the apples. Once the apples matured, they would fall to the ground.
Envious, Hercules decided that he should have this power for himself. He began digging day and night in search of this other “Hercules”. Even though he dug deeper and deeper everyday, he still couldn’t find this powerful rival. It wasn’t until it was too late, that the excavator recognized that he had dug so deep that he could not climb back out! Helpless, he called out to the other tools to help him get back to the surface.
After Hercules got rescued by a crane, the pile driver told him that the underground Hercules was actually invisible and that his power couldn’t be achieved by any vehicle. In his vain attempt to prove he was the strongest tool, he had forced himself to rely on others for help. Embarrassed, the excavator apologized and asked everyone to no longer call him Hercules from now on.
Hydraulic
Claw Crane
Daily
Application
x4x2
x2
1
6
5
x2
4
x1
12
x2
x2
x2
x30
x1
x4
9
x2
10
16 36 53
54x2
x1
45
42
x1
x3x1
x1
x227
x1
8
x1
14
x2
15 51
46
57
4820
x4
2
x2
01
03
02
04
71 72
ModelAssembled
ExperimentComplete
Model Creation
Experiment
Time
ArtAttack
Evaluation
Hold a competition to see who can get their claw crane to move and retr ieve several objects in the shortest amount of time.
Record the time it takes for the claw crane to clasp and move an object.
1 2 3
05
09
07
11
06
10
08
12
73 74
Water is a precious resource gifted to us from nature. It is a crucial element in regulating Earth’s temperatures. In addition to the water we see on the ground, there is also lots of water stored underground. Try to build a hydraulic machine than can dig exploratory wells and extract underground resources.
76
1
2
3
ModelDesign
ModelCreation
Winner!
DesignConcept
My Artwork
S e s s i o n
Monograph
Evaluation
18. Water Turbine-powered Vehicle
17. Water-powered Car
19. Hydraulic Claw Crane
204
ModelReview
16. Hydraulic Claw Crane
75
77 7877 78
Learning Lab- Individual Packages Learning Lab- School Packages
Target: age 2-6 (Kindergarten)
30 mins/ session;
120 sessions in total
Target: age 10+ (Jr. & Sr. High School)
50 mins/ session;
80 sessions in total
Target: age 7+ (Elementary School)
40 mins/ session;
100 sessions in total
Target: age 7+ (Elementary School)
40 mins/ session;
40 sessions in total
Target: age 7+ (Elementary School)
40 mins/ session;
100 sessions in total
#1250 Creative World Set #1251 Scientific Experiment Set- Power Machine
#1252 Scientific Experiment Set- Green Energy
#1253 Technology Explorer Set
#1254 Brick Contraption Set
Creative World
Technology Explorer
Brick Contraption
Scientific Experiment
30 mins/ session; 30 sessions/ package
50 mins/ session; 20 sessions/ package
40 mins/ session; 20 sessions/ package
#1230 Wonderful World1
#1249 Construction Set
#1231 Theme Park2
#1232 Little Artist3 #1233 Fun Cube4
#1248 Basic Set
#1245 Vibro & Gyro16#1244 Robot15
#1246 Programmable Controller
17 #1247 S4A Interactive Bricks
18
40 mins/ session; 20 sessions/ package
#1238 Gas & Pneumatics9
#1240 Light & Solar Energy11
#1242 Chemical Battery13
#1234 Force & Simple Machine
5 #1235 Motion & Mechanism
6
#1236 Electricity & Circuit7 #1237 Electromagnetism & Motor
8
#1239 Wind Power10
#1241 Liquid & Hydraulics12
#1243 Optical Devices14
Creative Classroom
