Solar Still Challenge
This lesson challenges learners to design and build a functional solar still using common household items. They will explore the scientific principles of evaporation and condensation, and apply engineering design thinking to create a sustainable solution for clean water.
The lesson goal is in this spark, your learner will design and construct a basic solar still to purify water, explain the scientific principles of evaporation and condensation in the context of water purification and analyze design choices and their impact on the efficiency of the purification process.
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Learning Guide
Step-by-step guidance. No preparation required.
- 1
Introduction5 Min
- Discuss why clean water is scarce.
- Move on when Student identifies a few scenarios where clean water is scarce and offers initial thoughts on solutions.
Photo by Rajesh S Balouria on Pexels - 2
Explore & Plan8 Min
- Discuss Earth's water purification.
- Brainstorm and gather materials.
- Sketch a solar still design.
- Predict what happens inside the still.
- Move on when Student has a basic design plan, a hypothesis for how it will work, and has gathered the necessary materials.
Photo by MART PRODUCTION on Pexels - 3
Discussion6 Min
- Discuss evaporation and condensation.
- Explain the sun's role in purification.
- Clarify why cups must be separate.
- Move on when Student can explain evaporation and condensation, and the role of solar energy in the purification process.
Photo by Vanessa Loring on Pexels - 4
Activity9 Min
- Place the large bowl in sun.
- Put the small cup inside.
- Pour dirty water carefully.
- Cover with plastic wrap.
- Place rock on plastic wrap.
- Leave still in the sun.
- Move on when Student has successfully assembled their solar still and placed it in a sunny location.
Photo by Engin Akyurt on Pexels - 5
Summary2 Min
- Discuss surprising observations.
- Move on when Student shares one key takeaway or reflection about the challenge.
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