All Items Priced 10% Below Retail Free Shipping on All Orders Designed by Teachers

Hydraulic Box

Like some kind of magic, the hydraulic box smoothly opens with the press of a syringe. 

This project is a great way to discuss the power of hydraulics, and create a treasured keepsake that can store small things!

Tools and Materials

Tips and Troubleshooting

If the box lid isn't raising very high, then...

  • There may not be enough water in the syringes. Add water until there's a total of 10ml between both syringes (not including water in the tubing).
  • The syringe may be taped too close to the front of the box's lid. Try gluing a stick closer to the back of the lid, and reattaching the syringe.

If the box lid isn't closing all the way, then...

  • There may be too much water in the syringes. Remove water until there's a total of 10ml between both syringes (not including water in the tubing). If that doesn't work, continue removing water until it closes.
  • The syringe may be taped too far from the front of the box's lid. Try gluing a stick closer to the front of the lid, and reattaching the syringe.
  • Make sure the cable ties are tied tight.

Sign up to get 25+ free printable project guides and
lesson plans. We only send things we think you'll love.

© 2026 STEM Inventions

Liquid error (layout/theme line 193): Could not find asset snippets/ellaer-recommendation.liquid