Did you know that 1.6 million people die annually from unclean drinking water? In this mini-unit, students work to solve this world health crisis using STEM concepts of water filtration and treatment to solve 3rd world problems. In this mini-unit, students learn about drinking water quality issues in 3rd world countries. Students then research, plan, and build their own water purification devices. Devices are tested and results are compared (using turbidity meters). Then comparisons are made among student-made water filtration devices, natural cycles, commercially available devices, and processes used in water treatment plants. Students then participate in a project-based assessment to integrate the knowledge of existing filtration devices, water treatment plant operations, and natural cycles to plan and design the most effective water treatment plant possible.
This mini-unit is directly aligned with the following NGSS Standards:
HS-LS2-7
HS-ETS1-1
HS-ETS1-2
Overarching Student Learning Objectives:
– identify problems associated with drinking water in 3rd world countries
– create a device to filter water
– measure the turbidity of a water sample and analyze results
– summarize the steps of water treatment plant operations
– identify natural water purification methods
– integrate the knowledge of existing filtration devices, water treatment plant operations, and natural cycles to plan and design the most effective water treatment plant possible
Mini-Unit Essential Question:
How can we give all people access to clean drinking water?
Duration:
Four 90 minute lessons
Purchase Includes:
– unit overview (1 page)
– full unit materials list (1 page)
– four 90-minute lesson plans in 5E format; also includes links to online resources, rubrics, and student worksheets (12 pages)
This is a comprehensive mini-unit with all required materials – zero prep! Additionally, the download comes as an editable Word document enabling you to customize rubrics and/or student worksheets if desired. Grades: 8-12 / Total Pages: 15 pages / available on Teachers Pay Teachers
