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Water Challenge

How to make a water clock

Find a use for an old plastic bottle by creating this clever clock…

Learn how to make a water clock in six easy steps with our easy tutorial. Not only will you learn about this ancient form of timekeeping, but you’ll be reusing an old plastic bottle — awesome!
How did people measure time before the invention of clocks or stopwatches? Well, the Ancient Greeks used a water clock called a clepsydra – and you can, too!
 

What you’ll need:

• Large, clear plastic bottle

• Round-edge scissors

• Compass or drawing pin

• Marker pen

• Food coloring

• Stopwatch

STEP 1

CUT

First, roughly measure halfway down the bottle, then carefully cut the bottle in two using the scissors. This can be tricky, so ask an adult to help.

STEP 2

DRILL

Now, unscrew the top off the bottle and make a small hole in it using the compass – ask an adult to help. Then put the lid back on the bottle.

STEP 3

FIT

Next, turn the top half of the bottle upside down and place it inside the bottom half, so that the bottle top is facing downwards.

STEP 4

MIX

Now, mix a few drops of the food coloring into a pint of water, and then have your stopwatch at the ready!

STEP 5

POUR

Pour the water into the top of the bottle and then start timing. Each time a minute passes, mark a line at the water level of the bottom bottle.

STEP 6

COUNT

Once all the water has passed into the bottom bottle, pour the water back into the top half and count off the minutes as the water pours down. Voila — your plastic bottle has transformed into an ancient timepiece!

Did you know?

Water clocks are thought to be one of the oldest time-measuring devices in the world – some have been found that date back to the 14th century B.C!

Time to drink up

 

m-32-article-water-clock-drink-up

 

Water is an incredible natural resource. Not only can it be used for clever crafts like this water clock but it’s good for you, too. Drink up – glug, glug, glug!

 

 

recylce

 

Be a planet hero – recycle!