In this lesson, students will learn about fluid dynamics by studying how the mammalian urinary system evolved for survival. This lesson uses simple hands-on experiments to visualize the urinary system and to help students practice the following skills:
- Thinking visually and physically to understand how gravity is acting on the fluid in pipes;
- Manipulating values of physical quantities with different units;
- Comparing the calculation of fluid flow in real life biological systems.
Students will gain experience using Torricelli’s Law, building their own water bottle experiments, and applying their observation to urinary systems inside mammalian bodies. No calculus will be used in this lesson, but familiarity with speed and flow rates is suggested. The lesson will take about an hour to complete. Students should prepare plastic bottles, plastic pipes, hot glue, a timer, and a calculator and, if possible, close access to water for the activities. The activities involve draining out water, so students might get wet. Between lessons, it is recommended that students discuss the experiment and calculations with their neighbors.
