Week 9: hydraulics

STEM WEEKEND: hydraulic liftS

This week we will be learning about the power of hydraulics! Hydraulics have been used in the Western New York area since 1882. Check out the Youtube video below and see how engineers used the power of Niagara Falls to light up millions of homes.

You can even see hydraulics used in real time at our Kiddieland park! Our helicopter ride uses hydraulic lifts to get you off the ground and cruising the sky!
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In the late 1700s hydraulic power was engineered by British engineer Joseph Brama. Hydraulic systems use pressurized fluid to create power. Hydraulics are based off of Pascals principle which in short is that pressure exerted on a fluid is distributed equally throughout the fluid. This creates a mechanical energy which can create enough power to be able to move massive pieces of equipment.

To recreate this project at home it is totally possible you just need some materials...
- Two syringes 
- Clear tubing/ piping
- Water
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You can create your own hydraulic system by filling one syringe with water, connecting the piping to the tip of the syringe and then connecting a second syringe (not filled with water) to the other end. At home you can use this hydraulic system  to do  activities such as creating a hydraulic lift (kind of like a car jack) or you can even play with someone else and have a thumb war! Whose ever syringe is able to fully get rid of the water wins!

We will be practicing with hydraulics in the children's gallery of the museum on Saturday, September 19th from 10am-3pm! We hope to see you there!