Learning Activity 3

Designing and constructing a water filtration system

Overview

Students will demonstrate an understanding of engineering principles through the creation of a water filtration system using everyday items such as water bottles, sponges, coffee filters pens and rubber bands.

Learning outcome

Students will demonstrate an understanding of engineering principles and systems by designing and constructing a water filtration system that can effectively remove contaminants.

Content Descriptors

- Investigate how the properties and behaviors of different materials affect their suitability for specific applications (ACTDEK034)

- Generate, develop, and communicate design ideas and decisions using appropriate technical terms and graphical representation techniques (ACTDEP036)

Procedure

1. Introduce the concept of engineering principles and systems, focusing on filtration processes and water quality.

2. Discuss the importance of clean water and the challenges faced in providing it to communities.

3. Present a real-world problem, such as designing a water filtration system that can effectively remove contaminants.

4. In groups, students brainstorm and sketch their filtration system designs, considering the materials and filtration processes.

5. Students build their water filtration systems using materials like sand, gravel, activated charcoal, and plastic bottles.

6. Each group presents their filtration system design, explaining the engineering principles applied and how they solved the real-world problem.

7. Students test their filtration systems by pouring contaminated water through them and measuring the water quality before and after filtration.

8. Students reflect on their designs, discussing what worked well and what could be improved.

To demonstrate learning, Students need to:

- Present a well-designed water filtration system that effectively removes contaminants.

- Explain the engineering principles applied in their design.

- Participate in the testing and measurement of other groups' filtration systems.

- Reflect on their design process and suggest improvements.

Sample