How to Build a Tabletop Elephant Drinking Station

I sucked up the drink and sealed the straw with my tongue. I would then pull the straw out of the drink.

To my constant amazement, as long as the top of the straw remained sealed, the liquid in the straw did not fall out. Spirit. Blown.

The reason I’m sharing this story? The science behind this silly straw game will actually be the mechanics for making a simple, functional drinking station. Let’s get into that.

What you need

• Small recyclable plastic bottle • Cup • Bendable straw • Cardboard box • Balloon • Tape • Pens • Juice • Scissors • Stiletto

Note When using sharp tools (e.g. stiletto), adult participation is recommended.

activity

Pierce the side of a small, reusable water bottle near the bottom. Cut off the neck of a balloon. Pull the balloon body over the bottom of the bottle, completely covering the side puncture.

Align a stiletto with the center of the bottle puncture and then generously pierce the balloon wall. Push the straw head through the balloon. The balloon acts as a seal, preventing leaks.

Cut a flexible straw below the accordion hinge. Bend the straw hinge at a slight angle. Slide the straw into the aligned holes with the curved straw facing down.

RELATED: How to Make a Paper Frog with a Working Tongue

Glue the bottle to an upside down cup.

Draw and cut out the front of the elephant’s body – including the head, ears, two front legs, and a face (but not the trunk). Pierce the elephant drawing in line with the bottle puncture. Place the elephant puncture on the straw. Glue the elephant to the bottle.

Remove bottle cap. Hold the end of the straw closed with one hand and pour juice into the bottle with the other hand. Put the bottle cap back on while the straw is still tightly closed. This process controls the air pressure in the bottle.

Place a small cup under the elephant’s trunk. Turn the lid on to release the juice. Then turn the lid on to prevent the juice from escaping.

For more detailed instructions, see the video above!