The Plug

WARNING: Always supervise children when they are in or near water.

What you need

• bath and the plug

What to do

Keep your child in the bath as you take the plug out. Let them explore the pressure change as they bring their hand closer to the drain. If your child is scared to stay in the bath, let them watch from outside the bath. What happens when you put the plug in the drain hole so that it only blocks half of the water going down the drain? What happens to toys like a rubber ducky as they approach the drain hole?

What they learn

Your child will discover the pressure difference as water escapes through a small hole. You and your child can explore the concept that water travels down a pipe after the plug is pulled. They will also realise that water spirals down into the drain.

Encouragement questions

• Where does the water go?
• How long will it take? Have a count down when you think there is ten seconds until all the water is gone.