Water Wall
At Millbrook
Early ON
Centre
Water Wall
At Millbrook
Early ON
Centre
Other Side
Of Water
Wall
Overview
Preparation
We are four, third semester Fleming college students in the Early Childhood Education program. For our Building Outdoor Memories project, we have been paired with the Early ON Centre in Millbrook. As a group we have come up with a project that will connect children to the outside world. We have created a water wall for the Early ON center to have outside for the children to explore, learn and create outdoor memories.
Our project was influenced by environmental sustainability: reduce, reuse, recycle, respect, rethink, reflect, redistribute. Our idea is to use water from the rain barrel at the facility. We have a bucket at the bottom of our water wall so that the children can reuse the water over again, and when the play is finished, they can take the water to the garden to water the plants and flowers.
Sketch Of Water Wall
Preparation
Vision Board & Materials Donated
To begin our project we reached out to the Early ON centre in Millbrook and set up a time for us to meet and discuss what our ideas were for the project. After seeing the outdoor space and meeting with Nancy and Brenda we thought a water wall may be a good idea for our project. We all researched some water wall ideas online and created a sketch of what we potentially wanted ours to look like. We created our vision board with this sketch, some sample pictures we found in our research and a blurb explaining our ideas and what materials we would use as well as how we wanted to use primarily donated and found materials. We took our vision board and brought it to the centre to share with Nancy and Brenda and leave for the families to review and offer feedback. After receiving positive feedback from our site we began to reach out to local businesses to inquire about having materials donated, and Dave from Millbrook Home Hardware graciously donated almost all the materials we would need for the entire project. The remainder of items were purchased and we were ready to begin assembly.
Building
Construction of Water Wall
Once we saw how much Dave was willing to contribute we were thrilled to get started on building our Water Wall. As a group it was decided to work at Hannah’s parent’s house since she had the materials there, tools, plus a heated garage to work in.
First we had to measure the wood, and we always measure twice, and cut once. The pieces were then cut and temporarily lined together for the frame work. Next we measured the plastic lattice and fitted it into the wood framework which has a grove in it. Once we were sure that the lattice was straight and would stay in the grooves, we then screwed the corners together to make the Water Wall frame.
We then attached wooden legs to the frame to be free standing, this means it will be safe for the children so it won’t fall over. The intention was to create the Water Wall to be sturdy with two by four lumber. We also incorporated the vinyl lattice rather than extra wood to be lighter and easier to store in the shed. Pressurized lumber and vinyl was used for its water resistant properties as well as durability and longevity.
Next step was to measure and cut the PVC pipes to make our design for the Water Wall. When creating the rough assembly we had to make sure there were enough connectors. We had a few sketches that changed a few times, but then tweaked one we liked and made the Water Wall from that design. We also had to make sure the designs made sense with regards to gravity as well as recirculation of the water. Part of the design needed to ensure that all the water emptied from pipes into the collection basin. This incorporates water recirculation, as well as allows the Water Wall to be used inside if desired.
Before we glued the pipes we had to sand off the rough edges created by the saw when cut. After creating a smooth edge we then glued the pipes with plumbing glue to make sure water wouldn’t leak. When gluing the pipes we had to make sure the pipes were laying down, this ensures that glue does not run and can then be seen. Once dried we had to attach the PVC pipes to the lattice. We drilled holes in the lattice and attached the pipes to the framework with the plastic zip ties. Funnels were then added to the tops of each design and pipe to create an opening that is easier for kids to pour into.
The other side of the Water Wall incorporates materials that are more visually engaging for the kids. They can see the flow of the water in the eaves trough and clear vinyl tubing. We had to measure the white eaves trough and cut to size the lengths we wanted. We used wood arms underneath the trough holding it out from the framework but still over the collection basin. The clear vinyl tubing was then wrapped around the legs of the framework adding another three dimensional element. It was fastened to the lattice with copper pipe clamps directing the water into the basin.
Legacy Element
Part of our project was to create a legacy element and leave it at the site for families to read and look at. We created a letter for the families and surrounded it with loose parts from nature to catch their eyes. We based our letter off the document called Pathways to Stewardship and Kinship that we had discussed in our class. Our letter outlined important values to remember when we are outside. It also talked about stewardship and how we must care for all living things. We hope this encourages educators, parents and caregivers to go outside with the children and engage in what they are doing. If we show passion and make being outside fun for the children, they will enjoy the outdoors too and be curious researchers with you.
Finishing Touches
Our final steps were to deliver our water wall and present our legacy to Millbrook. We were able to transport our water wall from one location to the other using Hannah's sisters' truck. We were able to drop it off during the weekend to give children the opportunity to start playing with it. We put the water wall by the mud kitchen they already had at their center that way children could transport the water from one place to another. Then we came back with our legacy piece and presented it to them on a separate date. Our last and final touch was to gather and get our picture with our water wall. What an amazing experience we got to have to opportunity to meet the staff from Millbrook as well as had such generous donations from home hardware in Millbrook.
Remember Us
As a group we are so excited and proud to have made this water wall for the Millbrook Early ON Centre. We can't wait to see children and families being engaged outside for seasons to come! Enjoy playing with the Water wall!
Huge Thank you to the owner Dave Britton at Home Hardware in Millbrook for the materials and supplies.
Early Childhood Education Students-Third Semester -2019
Sincerely,
(from left to right)
Johanna O'Grady, Bella Rivers, Brenna Stewart and Hannah Bastian