Easy Hydraulic Machines - Engineering Projects for Kids

This project is easy to build, and it allows young engineers to get hands-on experience with the power and delight of a hydraulic-powered mechanism.

For easier facilitation, you can fill the syringes with air instead of water. An air pressure-powered systems are called pneumatics.

You can find the lesson plan, 1-page project sheet, and more project ideas at STEM-Inventions.com

The Engineering Creation Kit has everything you need for this project and many more from STEM Inventions.

• Plastic syringes, tubing, & adapters that can replace cubes the holes
• Or bulk tubing and syringes
• Craft sticks
• Craft cubes (Bulk pack)
• Craft cubes with holes (Bulk pack)
• 1/8" dowels
• Wheels (Bulk pack)
• Cable ties
• Masking tape (Dispenser)
• Hot glue gun with safety nozzle
• Hot glue sticks

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You can use either hydraulics or pneumatics for this project!

The hydraulic bridge project was originally conceived by a student named Daniel H.D. Thanks Daniel!

The hydraulic fortune teller uses the same mechanics as the Judobot to achieve 3-dimensional movement, however this project is easier to build because it doesn't need to be thoroughly designed to battle. I like the idea of a fortune teller, but the face can be replaced with other things to create a variety of projects: a catapult arm, a serving basket, cannon.... be creative!

Difficulty: 5/5

Prep work: 4/5

Setup: 2/5

Cleanup: 2/5