1. Index (v1.0)
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 LL@mail.gigo.com.tw
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 LL@mail.gigo.com.tw
2. 03
Parts L i st
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
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 x2
x1
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
3. S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming
01
The 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
x1
x2
x2
x1 x1
1
41
35
34
32
28
27 29
59
58
8
42
01
03
02
04
05 06
5. S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming
02
Water Potential Energy
Where is more suitable 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
7. S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming
03
Buoyancy
What are some examples of
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
9. S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming
04
Water 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 x1
x1
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
11. 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
Model
Design
Model
Creation
Winner!
Design
Concept
My Artwork
S e s s i o n
Monograph
Evaluation
03. Water Power
02. Watering Pot
04. Weight Lifting Machine
05
1
Model
Review
01. Water Cycle
12. S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming
06
Surface Tension
W h at f a c to r s wo 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 x2
59
4
x2
x1
x1
x1
x1
2
6
5
x1
18
x1
19
x1
20
x1
27
x1
46
x1
47
x2
45
8
16
x10
54
58
x2
x2
60
01
03
02
04
2423
13. Model
Assembled
Experiment
Complete
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
Art
Attack
05
09
07
11
06
10
08
12
2625
14. S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming
07
Water 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
9
41
35
34
28
29
54
59
58
5
42
x1 x2
x1x1
x2
x4
4
x6
x1x2
11
12
20
27
32
26
44
x2
8
50
53
x4
x2
01
03
02
04
27 28
16. S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming
08
Continuity Equation
How does the way in which
water sprays differ 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
x1
x1
x4
x1 x14
x1
x2
x2
1 2
41
35
34
28
29
54
5
42
x1
x1 x2
x2
x1 x2
32
x2
8
x3
9
x2
4
x2
11
x1
10 38
3
56
55
01
03
02
04
01
03
02
04
3231
18. S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming
09
Water-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
x1
x1
x1
x1
x12
x1
x2 x1 x1
x2
x2 x2
1 2
6
41
35
34
28
29
54
59
58
5
42
x1
x2
x1x1
x2
x2
4
x1
27
3226
x2
8
46
15
21
01
03
02
04
35 36
20. 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
Model
Design
Model
Creation
Winner!
Design
Concept
My Artwork
S e s s i o n
Evaluation
07. Sawmill
09. Water-powered Fan
10
2
Model
Review
06. The Surface of a Liquid
08. Water Gun
39
Monograph
21. S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming
11
Water 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
23. S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming
12
Capillar y Action
What examples of c apillar 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
25. S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming
13
Connecting 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
27. S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming
14
Pascal's Law
What is the different 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
weight! The audience
applauded in amazement.
Balance
Daily
Application
x3
x4
x1
2
6
5
x1
42
x1
51
x22
54
59
x2
53
x4
36
7
x4
x2
x1
9
01
03
02
04
53 54
29. 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
Model
Design
Model
Creation
Winner!
Design
Concept
My Artwork
S e s s i o n
Monograph
Evaluation
13. Gauge Level
12. Counter Current
14. Balance
15
3
Model
Review
11. Disappearing Weight
57
30. S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming
16
Hydropower
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 other alternative 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 giant
generator inside the
power plant?
Daily
Application
Hydroelectric
Generator
x3
x2
x2
x1
x1x1
x1
x2
x2
x1
1
41
35
34
28
29
59
58
42
x1
x4
x1 x1
x100
x1
x5
x1
27
3226
16
21
40
23
52
49
01
03
02
04
5959 60
32. S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming
17
Water Jet
W hy d o e s t h e w a t e r s p r ay
backwards, yet the car moves
for ward? What else 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
x1
x1 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
x2
15
16
24
25
37
43
30
31
01
03
02
04
63 64
34. S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming
18
Water 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
32
26
x2
x2
x2
24
25
43
17
22
23
x70
52
x4
8
59
x1
01
03
02
04
67 68
36. S e s s i o n
Parts List
Brainstorming
19
Applications for Water
W h a t a p p l i c a t i o n s i n o u r
daily lives ut ilize hydraulic
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
x4
x2
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
x2
27
x1
8
x1
14
x2
15 51
46
57
4820
x4
2
x2
01
03
02
04
71 72
38. 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
Model
Design
Model
Creation
Winner!
Design
Concept
My Artwork
S e s s i o n
Monograph
Evaluation
18. Water Turbine-powered Vehicle
17. Water-powered Car
19. Hydraulic Claw Crane
20
4
Model
Review
16. Hydraulic Claw Crane
75
39. 77 7877 78
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Target: age 7+ (Elementary School)
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Target: age 7+ (Elementary School)
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18
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