Stream Table Instructions – makes one stream table for a group of 2 to 4 students
Karen McDonough
Batavia Middle School
Grade 8 Science
CEEMS May, 2015
mcdonough_k@bataviaschools.org
For all the stream tables, you will need a method to dispose of the dirty run-off water. I had buckets at each
table and cups to scoop it out with. It is also possible to carefully dump it. I also recommend a shop vac to
quickly suck water out and to clean up spills. You will also need a water source near each table. I used a bucket
of water at each table.
Small table
Materials:
 paint tray ($3.50, Home Depot # 100142784 – this is the best one – a bit higher quality, it
supports the weight of the plastic shoe box lid when it has wet sand in it, the slope of
the tray is perfect for erosion and the bottom collects the run off)
 lid from a plastic shoe box ($1, Walmart, Dollar Store, etc.)
 water bottle with lid
 drill and ¼ inch drill bit or a ¼ inch diameter nail and hammer
 Optional :
- 1 foot of ¼ inch clear pvc tubing (Home Depot $.25, can be purchased in 10 foot
length for $1.46 #SVEB10) or aquarium tubing
- plumbers putty ($2/jar, Home Depot)
Instructions:
1. Cut a notch in the middle of one end of the lid. This will allow the run off to escape.
2. Place the lid at the top of the paint tray with the notch at the bottom.
3. Cover the lid with sand.
4. Fill the bottle with water and put the lid on it
5. Hold the bottle upside down at the top of the slope and squeeze it gently. It may be helpful to make a
faint steam bed for the water to follow.
Optional:
6. Make a hole in the center of the water bottle lid.
7. Insert the tubing into the hole
8. Seal the lid around the tubing with plumbers putty so there are no leaks.
9. Follow steps 4 and 5.
* I found the optional method was not really necessary.
Medium table
Materials:
 41-quart Sterilite under-bed plastic storage tub ($8, Target # 13796221)
 2 liter bottle with lids
 1 foot of ¼ inch clear pvc tubing (Home Depot $.25, can be purchased in 10 foot length for $1.46
#SVEB10) or aquarium tubing
 drill and ¼ in drill bit or a ¼ in diameter nail and hammer
 plumbers putty ($2/jar, Home Depot)
 brick, water proof object or paint tray
 scissors or box cutter
 duct tape
Instructions:
1. Cut off the bottom of the 2 liter bottle. I covered the edges of the bottle with duct tape as they were
sharp.
2. Make a hole in the center of the water bottle lid.
3. Insert the tubing into the hole just enough so that the tip will extend into the bottle (about 1 inch).
4. Seal the lid around the tubing with plumbers putty so there are no leaks.
5. Duct tape the bottle upside down to the wooden ring stand structure
6. Fill the tub about 1/3 full of sand
7. Prop the tub up to the desired height using a brick or other water proof object. I found that the paint
tray turned upside down worked great for this as well.
8. Place the wood ring stand structure with attached 2 liter bottle at the high end of the tub or hold the 2
liter bottle in the air.
9. Fill the bottle with water and a continuous stream will come out. The stream can be controlled by
pinching the tubing. It may be helpful to make a faint steam bed for the water to follow.
Wooden ring stand structure
Materials:
 2 pieces of 2x4 wood cut in one foot lengths
 5/8 in dowel rod – cut to 1 foot in length
 drill, 5/8 inch drill bit, screw driver bit
 2 or 4 - 1 ¼ inch wood screws
 wood glue
 hammer
Instructions:
1. Glue and screw the 2 pieces of 2 x 4 together to make a base. It may be necessary to pre-drill the holes.
You may use a screw in each corner or one on each end.
2. Drill a hole 5/8 inch in diameter in the middle of the base.
3. Insert the dowel roe into the hole. You may need to hammer it in. I chose not to glue the dowel rod I
have used the bases and dowel rods for other things and they store easier if taken apart.
Sand
Play sand mixed with all-purpose sand. Use about 3 parts play sand to 1 part all-purpose sand. All purpose sand
is coarser. You will need to adjust the mixture so that the sand erodes at the speed you need it to, depending on
the elevation you prop the tub. ($3/50 lb bag, Home depot)