Designing Residential Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design an effective residential rainwater harvesting system that optimizes water use, benefits the community, and integrates seamlessly with the natural water cycle?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How does the water cycle facilitate the collection of rainwater for human use?
- What are the key components needed to design an effective residential rainwater harvesting system?
- In what ways does rainwater harvesting impact the environment and community?
- How can the efficiency of a rainwater harvesting system be measured and improved?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Understand and explain the water cycle and its significance in rainwater collection.
- Design a working model of a residential rainwater harvesting system.
- Evaluate the impact of rainwater harvesting on the community and environment.
- Apply concepts of systems engineering to optimize the efficiency of rainwater harvesting.
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Common Core State Standards for Technical Subjects
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsRainwater Harvest Race
Invite students to participate in a hands-on race to collect rainwater using various makeshift tools. This will lead into a discussion on efficiency and innovation in rainwater harvesting techniques.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Key Components Lab
Through hands-on experimentation, students identify and analyze the key components of a residential rainwater harvesting system.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA basic model displaying key components of a rainwater harvesting system with documented observations.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports NGSS HS-ETS1.B by exploring possible solutions and understanding component functions.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioRainwater Harvesting Design Assessment
Scientific Understanding
Evaluates the depth of understanding of the water cycle and rainwater harvesting.Water Cycle Knowledge
Student demonstrates understanding of the water cycle's role in rainwater harvesting.
Exemplary
4 PointsShows exceptional understanding and clearly articulates how the water cycle contributes to rainwater collection.
Proficient
3 PointsShows thorough understanding and accurately describes how the water cycle facilitates rainwater harvesting.
Developing
2 PointsShows basic understanding with some inaccuracies in describing the water cycle's role.
Beginning
1 PointsShows minimal understanding with significant inaccuracies in explaining the water cycle.
Component Analysis
Accurate identification and analysis of key components in a rainwater harvesting system.
Exemplary
4 PointsPrecisely identifies and thoroughly analyzes all key components, discussing their interactions innovatively.
Proficient
3 PointsCorrectly identifies and explains the function of most key components with clear understanding of interactions.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some components with limited explanation of their functions and interactions.
Beginning
1 PointsIdentifies few components with minimal explanation.
Design and Creativity
Assesses the creativity and functionality in the design of a rainwater harvesting system model.Model Design Innovation
The model demonstrates creativity, effectiveness, and understanding of design principles.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates exceptional creativity and functionality, integrating innovative solutions.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents a well-designed, functional model with logical solutions.
Developing
2 PointsShows a basic, functional design with limited creativity.
Beginning
1 PointsShows incomplete or non-functional design.
Impact and Evaluation
Evaluates the student's ability to assess the environmental and community impact of rainwater harvesting.Impact Assessment
Student evaluates the environmental and community impact of proposed rainwater harvesting solutions.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a comprehensive, insightful evaluation with substantial evidence and innovative suggestions for improvement.
Proficient
3 PointsOffers a well-reasoned evaluation with adequate supporting evidence and plausible improvement suggestions.
Developing
2 PointsAttempts evaluation with some evidence but lacks depth or innovation in suggestions.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides minimal evaluation with little evidence or suggestion.
Collaboration and Communication
Assesses teamwork, communication, and documentation skills in the project process.Team Collaboration
Contribution to group work and effectiveness in communication during the project.
Exemplary
4 PointsExhibits leadership and ensures effective collaboration with clear, concise communication.
Proficient
3 PointsContributes well to group tasks and communicates effectively most of the time.
Developing
2 PointsShows inconsistent contribution to tasks and struggles with clear communication.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides little contribution with minimal communication, needing guidance.