Lesson Plan
Clean Water Makers
Learn about water purification
In this lesson, students will create a simple water filtration system to learn about water purification and environmental science. This lesson empowers students to understand the importance of clean water and ways to achieve it.
Audience
Leaders (ages 13-18)
Time
1 hour
Approach
Learn about water purification
Materials
Plastic bottles, Gravel, Sand, Activated charcoal, Coffee filters, Dirty water sample, Clear container, Worksheet: Water Filtration Observations (1 per student), and Discussion: Water Filtration System Reflection (1 per group)
Step 1
Introduction
10 mins
- Start with a brief introduction to the importance of clean water and the basic concepts of water purification.
- Explain the objective of the lesson and what students should expect to learn.
- Show examples or images of various water filtration systems.
Step 2
Building the Filtration System
30 mins
- Distribute materials to each student or group.
- Instruct students step-by-step on how to build their own water filtration system using the provided materials.
- Cut the bottom of the plastic bottle.
- Place the coffee filter at the bottom of the bottle's neck.
- Add a layer of activated charcoal over the coffee filter.
- Add a layer of sand on top of the charcoal.
- Add gravel as the top layer.
- Pour the dirty water sample through the filtration system and observe the water that comes out into the clear container.
- Have students record their observations on the provided worksheet.
Step 3
Discussion
15 mins
- Break students into small groups to discuss their findings using the provided reflection discussion guide.
- Encourage students to think critically about what materials were most effective in filtering the water and why.
- Discuss real-world applications and the importance of having access to clean water.
Step 4
Closure
5 mins
- Summarize the key points learned during the lesson.
- Ask students to share one new thing they learned about water purification and its importance.
- Provide additional resources or handouts for further study on water ecology and health.
Worksheet
Water Filtration Observations
Students will record their observations of the water before and after filtration.
Describe the appearance of the water before filtration.
Consider the color, clarity, and any visible particles.
Describe the appearance of the water after filtration.
Consider the color, clarity, and any visible particles.
What materials in your filtration system were most effective in removing impurities from the water?
What changes would you make to improve the filtration system?
Discussion
Water Filtration System Reflection
A discussion guide for students to reflect on the water filtration activity.
What did you observe about the filtered water compared to the dirty water?
Encourage students to discuss the effectiveness of the filtration system.
Why do you think certain materials were more effective in filtering the water?
Guide students to think about the properties of the materials used.
How does this simple filtration system compare to real-world water purification methods?
Discuss how basic principles apply to more complex systems.
Why is access to clean water important for communities and the environment?
Encourage students to think about health, well-being, and environmental impact.
Answer Key
Water Filtration Observations Answer Key
The answer key for the Water Filtration Observations worksheet.
Describe the appearance of the water before filtration.
Dirty water may appear cloudy, have color, and contain visible particles.
This helps assess students' initial observations.
Describe the appearance of the water after filtration.
Filtered water should appear clearer, with fewer visible particles and improved clarity.
This allows students to observe changes post-filtration.
What materials in your filtration system were most effective in removing impurities from the water?
Activated charcoal is typically the most effective at removing impurities due to its high adsorption capacity.
Helps understand students' reasoning on material effectiveness.
What changes would you make to improve the filtration system?
Students may suggest adding more layers, using different materials, or adjusting the proportions for better filtration.
Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving.