Aquaponics Siphon Design Brief

Grade Level: 1st Grade

Standard(s): S1L1. Students will investigate the characteristics and
basic needs of plants and animals.
b. Identify the basic needs of an animal.
1. Air
2. Water
3. Food
4. Shelter
Background/Problem: Our STEM Academy students have the task
of learning about aquaponics and the mechanical workings of the
systems. They are to use the lessons they have learned to design and
develop a system of their own. As a precursor to building a system
students must understand the tasks of each component of the
system. A siphon is important to the maintaining and success or
failure of an aquaponics system. In this build the students will discuss
the importance of a siphon in regards to the removal and providing
fresh water to fish in a man-made system. Students analyze the
relevance of the need for freshwater for the fish on a regular basis.
Design Challenge: In the course of this year, your task as an academy
student is to build your own aquaponics system. These systems
require many parts that come together to work as a team. Your goal
in this challenge is to build a siphon that can successfully move at
least a cup of water.
Criteria: Your siphon must move at least a cup of water within a
minute.

Constraints: You may only use the materials provided

Materials:
1 water bottle
2 2ft aquarium tubes
tape
putty
Tools:
Scissors
Pencil
Interactive Notebook