Module 3 · ESY laboratories, plant products, and wellness
Complete a Layered Filter Engineering Challenge
Adult extension of: Clean Water Engineering - Water Filtration
Adults design a gravity filter, measure visible improvement, and learn the essential difference between clearer water and water that is safe to drink.
01 · Learning
Objectives
- Predict how filter materials affect flow and visible debris.
- Build, test, and revise a layered gravity filter.
- Explain why filtration alone does not guarantee potable water.
02 · Preparation
Materials
Cut bottle prepared by facilitator; collection cup; cloth or coffee filter; rinsed gravel; rinsed sand; activated carbon intended for filtration demonstrations; test water with soil and leaves; timer; turbidity card; data sheet; gloves.
03 · Practice
Adult project
- 1
Observe the test water and record color, debris, and cloudiness.
- 2
Predict the best layer order and draw the filter before building.
- 3
Assemble the bottle filter without packing layers too tightly.
- 4
Pour the same volume, time the flow, and collect the output.
- 5
Compare before and after appearance without tasting either sample.
- 6
Revise one variable and complete the filtration-versus-disinfection card.
Practical and therapeutic connection
Why this work matters
The challenge builds engineering iteration, data comparison, emergency-water judgment, and clear communication about limits.