Clean Water Challenge
This lesson challenges learners to design and construct a multi-layer water filter using common household materials. They will investigate how different materials can remove impurities from water, connecting scientific principles to real-world applications.
The lesson goal is in this spark, your learner will design a functional multi-layer water filtration system, explain how different materials contribute to water purification and evaluate the effectiveness of a homemade water filter.
What You Need
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Learning Guide
Step-by-step guidance. No preparation required.
- 1
Introduction5 Min
- Discuss why clean water matters.
- Move on when Student identifies at least two reasons water might be dirty and why clean water is essential.
Photo by Ryutaro Tsukata on Pexels - 2
Explore & Plan8 Min
- Gather all materials.
- Cut the plastic bottle in half.
- Brainstorm filter materials and their purpose.
- Sketch your initial filter design.
- Move on when Student has a basic filter design sketched out and can explain the purpose of at least two different layers.
Photo by Peter Dyllong on Pexels - 3
Discussion6 Min
- What will happen when you filter water?
- Move on when Student clearly states their predictions for the filter's performance and explains their reasoning.
Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels - 4
Activity9 Min
- Place cloth into bottle top.
- Layer pebbles and sand into filter.
- Secure filter assembly.
- Prepare 'dirty water' in pitcher.
- Slowly pour dirty water through.
- Observe the filtering process.
- Move on when Student has built their water filter, tested it with dirty water, and observed the results.
Photo by Alexey Demidov on Pexels - 5
Summary2 Min
- Reflect on your filter and learning.
- Move on when Student shares one key learning or reflection from the activity.
Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels
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