Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will have designed and created a simple water filtration system using everyday materials. This project will help them understand the principles of engineering, environmental science, and the importance of clean water.

Materials and Prep

• Plastic bottle (cut in half)
• Sand
• Gravel
• Activated charcoal (if available)
• Cotton balls or coffee filters
• Dirty water (can be made with soil and water)
• Container to collect filtered water

Before starting the lesson, make sure to gather all materials and prepare a workspace that can get a little messy. Discuss the importance of water filtration and how it impacts our health and environment.

Activities

• Building the Filter:

  The student will construct a water filtration system using the materials provided. They will layer the materials in the cut plastic bottle, starting with cotton balls or coffee filters at the bottom, followed by activated charcoal, sand, and gravel. This will simulate how natural filtration works.

• Testing the Filter:

  Once the filter is built, the student will pour the dirty water into the top of the filter and collect the filtered water in a container. They will observe the differences between the two samples and discuss the effectiveness of their design.

• Reflection and Improvement:

  After testing, the student will reflect on the filtration process. They will think about what worked well and what could be improved. They may even redesign their filter based on their observations.

Talking Points

• "Did you know that clean water is essential for our health? Without it, we can get sick!"
• "How do you think a water filter works? What materials do you think are best for filtering?"
• "Look at the layers in your filter. Each one serves a purpose. Can you guess what they do?"
• "Why do you think we use activated charcoal in filters? It’s pretty cool how it absorbs impurities!"
• "What did you notice about the dirty water compared to the filtered water? What changes did you see?"
• "If you could add another layer to your filter, what would it be and why?"
• "How do you think this process is similar to how nature filters water?"
• "Can you think of other ways we can keep our water clean? What actions can we take?"
• "Why is it important to understand water filtration, especially in places where clean water is hard to find?"
• "What was your favorite part of building the filter? Did anything surprise you?"
• "How can this project help you in the future? Are there other STEAM projects you'd like to explore?"