Build a Stirling Engine Activity

In this activity, students will build a functioning Stirling engine to learn the process and purpose of the intake, compression, power or combustion, and exhaust strokes. For each stroke, students will learn the location and direction of travel of the piston, the position of valves, and what is happening inside the cylinder.

• 20 x 200 glass test tubes
• Rubber stopper with hole
• Glass marbles
• 5 mL glass syringe
• Sterno Can
• Clear acrylic tubing
• Pliers

Each lab kit is equipped for 40 students. If the lab is a group activity (4 students), there are 10 of each item. If the lab is an individual activity, there are 40 of each item. As a reminder, each kit contains the materials needed that are NOT commonly found in the classroom.