Build Your Own Rain Barrel Mini Demo Model

Materials Needed
Barrel shaped pretzel container (pretzels previously eaten!)
Blue spray paint (auto paints work best)
Waterproof glue
Single-cup style coffee container (after using, pour the grounds in compost bin)
Nozzle from a laundry detergent container
Any large threaded metal bolt/screw

Instructions
After eating the pretzels, remove the label from the container.
In a well ventilated area, spray the container and the lid separately with the paint.
Spray the inside as well - this maintains the color if it gets scratched.
Three coats should do.
Take a 20 minute nature break.

Cut a hole for the bolt/screw in the upper section of the barrel.
Screw the bolt into the hole.
You can add a bead of glue to the inside of the barrel around the bolt.
Cut a small hole in the lower section of the barrel.
Glue the nozzle onto the barrel over the hole and add a bead of glue around the nozzle to keep it watertight.
Let it dry, then add some water. If it leaks, add more glue.
Let it dry again.

Trace the outline of the inner rim of the coffee cup container in the center of the lid and carefully cut it out with a sharp blade.
Remove the metallic covering of the container and cut off the bottom plastic part of the container. (Do not cut the filter.)
Slip the filter into the opening and glue it into place.

Paint it any way you want to. Show it off to your students/classmates to encourage them to build the real thing.


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Building the "Baby Barrels"




Materials Needed
Barrel shaped juice container (empty)
Coffee filter insert (found in a variety of brands)
Acrylic paints (your choice of color)
1/2 inch metal screw
Waterproof glue
Clear matte spray paint
Doll house faucet (I found them online for less than $1 each)

Instructions
Collect your materials and procede to remove the insert from inside the coffee filter.
Discard the metallic cover and compost the paper filter and grounds.
Remove and clean the insert.
Recycle the cup.
                                               

Gently bend the inner rim of the barrel down. The insert will be glued here after painting.
               

In a well ventilated area, paint the barrel and the lid separately.
Paint the inside as well - this maintains the color if it gets scratched.
Three coats should do.
Take a 20 minute nature break.

Drill a small hole somewhere near the top of the barrel the same diameter of the screw you will use.
Insert the screw from the inside. (Needle-nose pliers are useful since your fingers may not fit)
A drop of black paint on the end of the screw makes it look hollow.
Glue the filter insert onto the top of the barrel.
Drill a small hole somewhere near the bottom of the barrel the same diameter of the faucet you will use.
Place a small drop of glue on the faucet tab and insert it into the barrel.
               

Finish with a coat of clear matte acrylic spray paint to seal and protect your artwork.
Use as you choose!