Ward's World Activity Guides

Page 2 Set-Up: Use these steps to prepare your Stream Table Kit for use prior to the lesson. If your stream table has a pump and drainage system installed, skip to Step 5. 1. Cut the 6' plastic hose in half to create an inlet hose and an outlet hose. 2. Attach the outlet pipe assembly to the stream table as shown in Figure 1: a. Place a rubber washer on either side of the hole in the Stream Table and insert the threaded pipe through the hole and washers. b. Tighten the round nuts on both sides of the Stream Table. c. Push one of the pieces of plastic hose over the brass pipe of the outlet pipe assembly. d. Direct the outlet hose into a sink, drain, or pail. See Figure 2. 3. Prepare the inlet hose: a. Attach the second plastic hose to a water faucet, recirculation pump, or siphon system. b. Direct the other end of the hose through the adjustable clamp and into the stream table opposite the outlet hose. c. Adjust the flow of water using the adjustable clamp. 4. Place the plastic supports under the inlet hose end of the Stream Table to raise it higher than the outlet end. See Figure 2. 5. Fill the two-thirds of the stream table opposite the drain with sand. 6. Elevate the input end as high as possible by sliding the support under the Stream Table toward the center of the tray. Activation of Prior Knowledge: Ask students to think about rivers or streams they have seen or are familiar with. Remind students that "brooks" and "creeks" count as streams, too, even if they're intermittent or seasonal. Students should try to recall fast-moving streams and slow-moving ones, as well. Have them briefly discuss the following question with a partner: • Do rivers and streams always follow the same path? Why or why not? Procedure: 1. Carve a narrow trench through the entire length of sand. 2. Place the water tube at the upper end of the trench. 3. Measure the width of the trench at its head, center, and mouth. 4. Direct the flow of water (medium flow) down the trench for 2 minutes. Then remove the water. 5. Remeasure the trench width at all three locations. 6. Reduce the elevation of the stream table by removing the support completely. 7. Allow the water to flow down the trench for 15 minutes. 8. Observe the stream channel changes. 9. Turn off the water and remeasure the channel. Exploring Changes in a Stream Channel (continued) + ward ' s science Sand Support stand Clamp Inlet hose To drain Outlet Assembly Figure 2 Figure 1 Stream table Rubber washer Round nut Pipe Note: Tighten nut with wrench Outlet hose Round nut Rubber washer Stream Table shown in Figure 2 is part of Ward's Stream Table Bundle (#470355-288 )

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