Ancient Hero’s Self-Siphoning Fountain Fountain
An engaging, screen-free learning activity that builds real-world creativity and critical thinking for kids aged 7 to 9.
Materials Needed
- • Plastic 500 mL water or soda bottles (3 units)
- • Clear vinyl flexible tubing (approx. 5 mm diameter) (1.2 meters)
- • Hot glue gun and glue sticks (1 set)
- • Water and food coloring (3 cups)
- • Scissors or utility knife (adult prep) (1 unit)
Pro Tips
- → Hero of Alexandria designed this fountain to run without pumps: water falling into the bottom chamber compresses air that pushes water out the top.
- → Every tube connection through the bottle caps must be 100% airtight; any pinhole air leak stops the fountain immediately.
- → Prime the middle chamber full of water before pouring water into the top basin to start the continuous fountain jet.
Safety First
Adult handles drill and utility knife cuts; ensure all tube joints are completely sealed with hot glue.
How was this activity?
Your anonymous feedback helps us recommend better activities.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Cut the top off one plastic bottle to act as the open fountain basin, mounting it over two sealed lower bottles.
Step 2
Drill and seal three vinyl tubes linking the basin to the bottom chamber, the bottom chamber to the middle chamber, and the middle chamber to the nozzle.
Step 3
Seal all bottle cap joints with hot glue to ensure the system is completely airtight.
Step 4
Prime the middle bottle full of water, pour a cup of water into the top basin, and watch the fountain spray a continuous jet upward.