Making Things

Construction of Simple Equipment for High School Labs

Many teachers are hesitant to set their hands at using plumbing and electrical supplies to make simple lab equipment. There are two ways to get the job done however. One way is to be brave, go to the hardware store and ask for things. The clerks are usually very helpful and often come up with some good creative ideas. Afterall, many of them have kids you have sent home to do a science project in the past. The alternative is "passing the buck" and getting someone else to make the stuff for you! Probably, were you to ask for assistance from your students, several hands would eagerly be raised. Give them the packet of parts to take home to assemble.

Parts? Yes, you will have to procure parts. Good places to consider: hardware stores, fabric and sewing stores, auto parts stores, hobby shops, stained glass outlets, office supply stores, RadioShack, and large home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Lowes. (Indeed, many correspondents have found that these last two will give you the parts needed at no cost - IF you speak to the top manager of the store and tell them that it is for school.)

No matter who does the assembly expect to practice a little before beginning. Where does one learn how to do electrical connectors, or joing PCVP plumping pipe, or weld acrylic plastic parts together? As the clerk in the store. Or visit your local plumber or electrician at their office. You will see how easy all this is in a very short time. Remember that what is really important is not what you know, but whom you know! All these new "who's" in your life will soon be giving you things to help your students. Most people are very generous when you say it is for your class and that you start by opening your mouth and saying: "I am a teacher, and I hope you can help me."

So you need to practice! And a few basic home tools will be necessary.

With PCVP plumbing pipe, get a short piece, learn how to cut it with either a hacksaw or pipecutter. Learn how to smooth the newly cut end free of burrs and dust. Then learn how to glue the pipe to some other connector to make a bend. Some of this will be intolerably messy if you do it at your kitchen sink. Do it outside over some newspaper to catch dribbles of pipe glue. (Minimal tools: hacksaw, wood file, sandpaper.)

For electrical work, most of this is very clean work. (Minimal tools: regular and Philips screwdrivers, wire cutter (never use your scissors), wire stripper (often has a built-in wire cutter, solder, and soldering iron.)

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