STEM Activities

Save From the Drain

Don’t let your prized possessions end up in the storm sewer! Design a device that can retrieve items stuck below a stormwater grate when your hands and arms can’t fit.


Materials:

  • Bucket (or similar container like trash can, storage bin)
  • Masking or duct tape
  • Scissors
  • String
  • Craft sticks
  • Paper clips
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Rubber bands
  • Straws
  • “Lost” items (e.g. rubber duck, keys, pen, ping pong balls, toy car, sunglasses, etc.)

Method:

  1. Layout a tape grid over your bucket to resemble a storm grate.
  2. Drop assorted “lost” items in the bottom of the bucket.
  3. Use any combination of materials to create a device that can retrieve the “lost” items.
  4. Test and refine your device.

Take it back to class:

  • Introduce a time limit. What adjustments could you make to your device to help it retrieve items faster?
  • Assign costs to different items and set a budget. Can you design a device within budget?

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Source

Lost & Found STEM: The Storm Drain Challenge

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At this time, Burns & McDonnell is not offering pure architectural services in the states of Illinois or New Jersey. We may, however, provide design-build services for architectural projects.