The Garden Hose

Philip and Georgia are watering the school vegetable garden. Philip turns on the tap while Georgia holds the hose. A little water comes out, then the flow stops. Georgia checks the end of the hose.

The tap is still on, and the end looks clear. Philip wonders whether the hose has a leak. They turn off the tap before checking along it. There are no wet patches on the path.

Georgia follows the hose around the garden bed. Near the corner, it is bent sharply under an empty pot. “There is a kink here,” she says. Philip lifts the pot away.

They lay the hose in a gentle curve instead. Georgia holds the end over the garden while Philip turns the tap on again. This time the water flows steadily. They give the thirsty plants a good drink.

When they finish, they turn off the tap. Philip rolls the hose loosely on its holder. Georgia puts the empty pot on a shelf. Now nothing presses on the hose.

Their teacher checks the garden later. “The plants look well watered,” she says. Georgia explains the kink. “We thought there might be a leak,” says Philip. “But following the whole hose helped us find the problem.”