water down the plughole... preparing for the experiment
Use Water Wisely!
Water is an incredibly important resource and we should all try to think responsibly when we use it. By following the Making a Test Station instructions below you'll not only have maximum fun with this experiment but you'll also be helping look after the planet. We recommend that you make your own Water Down The Plughole Test Station so you can recycle all of your water and do the experiment loads of times.
Below are some detailed instructions about how to make a test station and how to prepare your sink, basin or bathtub for the experiment.
what you’ll need:
Plastic tubs of different shapes and sizes (e.g. ice cream tubs)
A water supply
A drill- electric or hand-powered
Cocktail sticks or matches
Stoppers made from wine corks or rubber bungs
A large bowl, jug or tray to catch the water.
Something to support the tub on either side, so you can access it easily from underneath.
(This could be two tables placed a small distance apart, or two stacks of bricks, or a Bunsen burner stand, or two piles of books etc).
what to do:
1
Drill a small hole in the bottom of the tub- not more than 1cm in diameter.
2
Plug the hole with the stopper from underneath.
3
Place the tub in a secure position on the support structure. Position it in such a way that it won't fall off and you can easily remove the stopper.
4
Place the large bowl beneath the stopper, ready to catch the water when it drains out.
5
Allow the water to settle, preferably overnight or longer.
to use a sink (or basin, or bath):
1
Put the plug in the plughole of your sink, basin or bathtub. Make sure the plug is one with a chain or a piece of string attached so it's easy to pull out!
2
Fill the sink up with water.
3
Float a cocktail stick or match on the surface
4
Allow the water to rest for as long as possible- a minimum of half an hour, but preferably overnight or even for longer.
All ready to start? Be sure to read our TIPS AND TRICKS page first!
You can also go straight to DOING THE EXPERIMENT
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