Water Filtration Challenge: Design for a Community
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design a sustainable and effective water filtration system to provide clean water for a community, considering the natural processes of the water cycle and common contaminants?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How does the sun's energy drive the water cycle, and how does gravity influence this process?
- What are the different components of a water filtration system, and how do they remove impurities?
- What are the common water contaminants, and what are their sources?
- How can we design a water filtration system that is both effective and sustainable for a specific community?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Design a water filtration system.
- Understand the role of the sun and gravity in the water cycle.
- Identify common water contaminants and their sources.
- Evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of different filtration system designs.
NGSS
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Water Supply Debate
Stage a mock press conference where a panel of 'experts' (teachers or older students) present conflicting information about the local water supply. Students must evaluate the evidence, question the experts, and identify the core challenges in ensuring clean water access for all.The Contaminated Water Crisis
A mysterious package arrives containing a sample of highly contaminated water and a plea for help from a remote community. Students must analyze the water, identify the contaminants, and brainstorm initial filtration ideas to address the crisis.A World Without Clean Water
Present students with a series of compelling images showcasing communities around the world struggling with water scarcity and contamination. Ask them to empathize with the affected populations and brainstorm potential solutions for providing clean water using locally available resources.The Muddy Water Challenge
Challenge students to build a mini-filtration system using everyday materials (sand, gravel, cloth) to clean a muddy water sample. Students will then compare their results and iterate on their designs to optimize filtration effectiveness, setting the stage for the larger project.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Water Cycle Explorers
Students will create a visual representation of the water cycle, labeling the different stages (evaporation, condensation, precipitation, collection) and explaining the roles of the sun's energy and gravity in each stage. They will then relate this understanding to how a filtration system mimics certain aspects of the natural water cycle to purify water.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 labeled diagram or model of the water cycle with a written explanation of the sun's energy and gravity roles, and a paragraph connecting this to water filtration.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses MS-ESS2-4 by focusing on the water cycle and the forces driving it.Contaminant Profilers
Students will investigate common water contaminants (e.g., bacteria, chemicals, sediment) and their sources. They will create a 'Contaminant Profile' for each, detailing its origin, potential health impacts, and methods for removal. This activity builds foundational knowledge for designing targeted filtration solutions.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 'Contaminant Profile' document or presentation covering various water contaminants.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCovers identifying contaminants, a crucial aspect of designing an effective filtration system as per MS-ESS2-4.Design Blueprint
Students will brainstorm and sketch initial designs for their water filtration system. They should consider the materials available, the contaminants they aim to remove, and the principles of the water cycle they've learned. This is a preliminary design phase where creativity and problem-solving are encouraged.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activitySketches and descriptions of initial water filtration system designs.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsDirectly relates to the design aspect of the project, prompting students to consider the practical application of their knowledge (MS-ESS2-4).Filtration Factory
Students will build a prototype of their chosen filtration system design using readily available materials. They will test its effectiveness by filtering a sample of contaminated water and measuring the levels of specific contaminants before and after filtration. This hands-on activity allows students to evaluate and refine their designs based on real-world results.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 working prototype of the water filtration system and a report on its effectiveness, including data on contaminant levels before and after filtration.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsTests the understanding of filtration effectiveness and relates it back to the water cycle principles (MS-ESS2-4).Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioWater Filtration Challenge Rubric
Water Cycle Understanding
Assesses the student's understanding of the water cycle, the roles of the sun and gravity, and the connection between the water cycle and water filtration.Water Cycle Representation
Accuracy and completeness of the diagram or model representing the water cycle, showing the different stages.
Exemplary
4 PointsDiagram/model accurately and comprehensively represents all stages of the water cycle with detailed labels and clear connections between stages.
Proficient
3 PointsDiagram/model accurately represents most stages of the water cycle with labels and connections, but may have minor omissions or inaccuracies.
Developing
2 PointsDiagram/model represents some stages of the water cycle, but contains significant omissions, inaccuracies, or unclear connections.
Beginning
1 PointsDiagram/model shows a limited understanding of the water cycle with missing stages, inaccurate labels, and unclear connections.
Sun and Gravity Explanation
Clarity and accuracy of the explanation of the roles of the sun and gravity in the water cycle.
Exemplary
4 PointsExplanation comprehensively and accurately describes the roles of the sun and gravity in driving each stage of the water cycle, demonstrating a deep understanding of the underlying scientific principles.
Proficient
3 PointsExplanation accurately describes the roles of the sun and gravity in most stages of the water cycle, demonstrating a solid understanding of the scientific principles.
Developing
2 PointsExplanation partially describes the roles of the sun and gravity in the water cycle, but may contain some inaccuracies or lack detail.
Beginning
1 PointsExplanation demonstrates a limited understanding of the roles of the sun and gravity in the water cycle, with significant inaccuracies or omissions.
Filtration System Connection
Effectiveness of the paragraph explaining how water filtration systems mimic the water cycle.
Exemplary
4 PointsParagraph provides a clear, insightful, and well-supported explanation of how water filtration systems mimic specific stages of the water cycle (e.g., evaporation, condensation, filtration) to purify water, demonstrating a strong connection between concepts.
Proficient
3 PointsParagraph provides a clear explanation of how water filtration systems mimic the water cycle to purify water, with some supporting details.
Developing
2 PointsParagraph attempts to explain how water filtration systems relate to the water cycle, but the explanation is vague, incomplete, or contains inaccuracies.
Beginning
1 PointsParagraph does not adequately explain how water filtration systems relate to the water cycle, or the explanation is missing.
Contaminant Knowledge
Evaluates the student's understanding of common water contaminants, their sources, and their impacts.Contaminant Research
Thoroughness of research on common water contaminants and their sources.
Exemplary
4 PointsProfile includes comprehensive research on a wide range of common water contaminants, accurately identifying their sources, health impacts, and removal methods, demonstrating in-depth investigation.
Proficient
3 PointsProfile includes thorough research on several common water contaminants, accurately identifying their sources, health impacts, and removal methods.
Developing
2 PointsProfile includes some research on a few water contaminants, but may lack detail or accuracy in identifying their sources, health impacts, or removal methods.
Beginning
1 PointsProfile includes minimal research on water contaminants, with significant omissions or inaccuracies in identifying their sources, health impacts, or removal methods.
Profile Accuracy and Detail
Accuracy and detail of contaminant profiles, including origin, health impacts, and removal methods.
Exemplary
4 PointsEach contaminant profile is highly detailed and accurate, providing comprehensive information on the contaminant's origin, specific health impacts, and effective removal methods, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsEach contaminant profile is accurate and provides sufficient detail on the contaminant's origin, health impacts, and removal methods.
Developing
2 PointsContaminant profiles contain some inaccuracies or lack detail in describing the contaminant's origin, health impacts, or removal methods.
Beginning
1 PointsContaminant profiles are incomplete and contain significant inaccuracies in describing the contaminant's origin, health impacts, or removal methods.
Organization and Clarity
Organization and clarity of the contaminant profile document or presentation.
Exemplary
4 PointsDocument or presentation is exceptionally well-organized and visually appealing, with clear headings, subheadings, and visuals that enhance understanding of the contaminant profiles.
Proficient
3 PointsDocument or presentation is well-organized and easy to follow, with clear headings and visuals.
Developing
2 PointsDocument or presentation is somewhat disorganized and difficult to follow, with unclear headings or missing visuals.
Beginning
1 PointsDocument or presentation is poorly organized and difficult to understand, with missing headings and visuals.
Design and Communication
Assesses the student's ability to generate design ideas and communicate those ideas effectively through sketches and descriptions.Design Creativity and Feasibility
Creativity and feasibility of the design ideas for the water filtration system.
Exemplary
4 PointsDesign ideas are highly creative, innovative, and demonstrate a deep understanding of water filtration principles, while also being feasible to implement with available materials and resources.
Proficient
3 PointsDesign ideas are creative and demonstrate a good understanding of water filtration principles, and are generally feasible to implement.
Developing
2 PointsDesign ideas are somewhat basic or lack originality, but show some understanding of water filtration principles, and may have feasibility issues.
Beginning
1 PointsDesign ideas are uninspired, demonstrate a limited understanding of water filtration principles, and are not feasible to implement.
Sketch Clarity and Detail
Clarity and detail of the sketches, including labeled components.
Exemplary
4 PointsSketches are exceptionally clear, detailed, and accurately labeled, providing a comprehensive visual representation of the filtration system design.
Proficient
3 PointsSketches are clear and detailed, with accurate labels identifying the different components of the filtration system.
Developing
2 PointsSketches are somewhat unclear or lack detail, with some missing or inaccurate labels.
Beginning
1 PointsSketches are unclear, lack detail, and have missing or inaccurate labels, making it difficult to understand the filtration system design.
Design Description Quality
Quality of the written description explaining how each design is intended to work.
Exemplary
4 PointsDescription clearly and concisely explains the function of each component in the filtration system, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the design principles and how they contribute to water purification.
Proficient
3 PointsDescription clearly explains how each design is intended to work, including the function of the main components.
Developing
2 PointsDescription is vague or incomplete, lacking detail about the function of the components and how they contribute to water purification.
Beginning
1 PointsDescription is missing or does not adequately explain how the design is intended to work.
Prototype Evaluation
Evaluates the student's ability to build, test, and evaluate the effectiveness of their water filtration system prototype.Filtration Effectiveness
Effectiveness of the water filtration system prototype in removing contaminants.
Exemplary
4 PointsPrototype effectively removes a wide range of contaminants, resulting in a significant improvement in water quality, as demonstrated by pre- and post-filtration data.
Proficient
3 PointsPrototype effectively removes some contaminants, resulting in a noticeable improvement in water quality.
Developing
2 PointsPrototype removes only a few contaminants, resulting in a minimal improvement in water quality.
Beginning
1 PointsPrototype fails to remove contaminants effectively, resulting in little to no improvement in water quality.
Data Accuracy and Completeness
Accuracy and completeness of the data collected on contaminant levels before and after filtration.
Exemplary
4 PointsData collection is meticulous and accurate, providing a comprehensive and reliable assessment of the prototype's performance in removing contaminants.
Proficient
3 PointsData collection is accurate and provides sufficient information to assess the prototype's performance.
Developing
2 PointsData collection contains some inaccuracies or omissions, limiting the ability to fully assess the prototype's performance.
Beginning
1 PointsData collection is inaccurate or incomplete, making it difficult to assess the prototype's performance.
Report Quality
Clarity and thoroughness of the report on the prototype's effectiveness, including data analysis and conclusions.
Exemplary
4 PointsReport is exceptionally clear, well-organized, and provides a thorough analysis of the data, drawing insightful conclusions about the prototype's effectiveness and potential for improvement.
Proficient
3 PointsReport is clear, well-organized, and provides a sufficient analysis of the data, drawing reasonable conclusions about the prototype's effectiveness.
Developing
2 PointsReport is somewhat unclear or disorganized, and the data analysis is superficial, leading to weak or unsupported conclusions about the prototype's effectiveness.
Beginning
1 PointsReport is unclear, disorganized, and lacks adequate data analysis, failing to draw meaningful conclusions about the prototype's effectiveness.