Our Space Diary

Materials

White construction paper, one piece for each child

Crayons or markers

Three hole punch

Three ring binder

Instructions

1. This is a wonderful outdoor summer activity. The children will enjoy running and riding their bikes through the car wash.

2. Lay out all the PVC pipe materials.

3. Attach one coupling to each end of each piece of 2' (60 cm) pipes.

4. Use one tee to connect two of the 2' (60 cm) pipes. Repeat this step for the remaining 2' pipes. Lay all six pieces flat.

5. Insert one 64" (160 cm) pipe into each remaining hole on each of the tees, as assembled in step 4.

6. Attach a 90-degree elbow to the top of each 64" piece of pipe.

7. Insert one of the 48" (120 cm) pipes between two of the 90-degree elbows. Then, insert one of the two remaining 48" pipes between two other 90-degree elbows. Each structure should stand upright. Put them aside.

8. Drill 1/8 " (3 mm) holes along the side of the remaining 48" pipe. With the holes facing down, insert one cap. Insert the 48" pipe into the elbow on the 64" pipe from step 5. On the opposite end, attach a tee.

9. On one end of the 4" (10 cm) pipe, attach the cap. On the opposite end, insert the elbow that extends from the 64" pipe as completed in step 5.

10. Attach the cap end of the 4" pipe to the tee from step 7. Make sure the tee is facing upward.

11. Using one of the structures from step 6, tape pompoms on the inside of each 64" pipe.

12. On the second structure from step 6, tape the top of a shower curtain along the 48" pipe. (The shower curtain should be hanging.) Next, cut the shower curtain into 3" to 4" (7 cm x 10 cm) vertical strips.

13. When in use, insert a hose into the tee on top of the final structure. Turn on the water and a sprinkle effect occurs.Maintenance suggestion: To help keep the PVC pipes secure, brush the structures with PVC cleaner followed by PVC glue. Allow it to dry.More to do:Make a soapy mixture and encourage children to wash different items in the classroom. Make bubbles to use with a variety of bubble wands.Field Trips: Take the children to a car wash so they can see how the brushes operate and how cars get cleaned.