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The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Water Treatment

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WATER TREATMENT

9-12th grade STEM lesson

Kayce Klecker

April 22, 2024

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Notes for teachers

  1. Taught in class with 30 students in teams of 3-4
  2. Inquiry starts the process; there should be failures!
  3. Multiple extension activities may extend this 1-day lesson for up to a week.
  4. Field trip optional

List of Materials (inclusive!):

  • “Polluted” water samples to purify (300 mL per team) including mud, clay, sand, salt, etc. mixed with tap water
    • Alternatives: food coloring, soaps
  • Water samples for comparison (1 clear, 1 muddied/dirty)
  • 2-liter plastic bottle (cut bottom and invert for filter)
    • Alternative: Funnel
  • Sand, gravel, rocks, soil, charcoal
  • Cotton balls, coffee filters
  • Two 250-mL beakers
  • Microscope (for investigating samples)
  • Microscope slides
  • Pipettes/water droppers
  • Paper towels
  • Lab sheet per team

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Arizona Science Standards

L2: Organisms require a supply of energy and materials for which they often depend on, or compete with, other organisms.

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E1: The composition of the Earth and its atmosphere and the natural and human processes occurring within them shape the Earth’s surface and its climate.

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Arizona ELA Standards

11-12.RI.3 Analyze a complex set of ideas or sequence of events and explain how specific individuals, ideas, or events interact and develop over the course of the text.

11-12.RI.10 By the end of the year, proficiently and independently read and comprehend informational text and nonfiction in a text complexity range determined by qualitative and quantitative measures appropriate to grade 11.

By the end of the year, proficiently and independently read and comprehend informational text and nonfiction in a text complexity range determined by qualitative and quantitative measures appropriate to grade 12.

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Objective(s):

Today we will be starting a project on water treatment stages.

Today we will construct a water filtration system using specific materials to examine natural filtration processes.

Next, we will examine natural water filtration systems and man-made systems stages.

Finally, we will examine the process and create a research-based presentation for assessment.

  • Sample diagram for students from a local water treatment plant

(Field trip best!) →

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Agenda (lesson time)

5 minutes: Introduction

15 minutes: Supply gathering and Set up stations

20 minutes: Inquiry and creation

10 minutes: Share out findings and finish lab report

5 minutes: Individual exit card

55 minutes total class time

Enrichment/Follow-up Options:

  • Invite a speaker from local water treatment plant or water company
  • Visit local water treatment plant
  • Using map activity, follow-up by drawing water from source to student’s home or school
  • Purchase water testing kits and test local water sources for various chemicals

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Teacher Intro: PRESENT 2 SOURCES OF WATER: 1 muddy water, 1 clear

“Which is safe to drink? Why?”

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS / INTRODUCTION:

HOW DOES WATER BECOME DRINKABLE OVER AND OVER AGAIN?

CAN ALL CONTAMINANTS BE REMOVED FOR SAFE DRINKING WATER AFTER BEING POLLUTED?

HOW DO HUMANS CONTRIBUTE TO WATER PURIFICATION–WHAT ARE THE STEPS IN WATER PROCESSING PLANTS?

HOW DOES THE GROUND FILTER WATER THAT WE DRINK?

WHAT CAN INDIVIDUALS DO TO PREVENT WATER POLLUTION TO KEEP IT “PURE”?

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

  • Groups of 3-5 works for collaboration
  • Team Instructions:
    • Gather materials, including lab sheet, deciding which they would like on their own (inquiry)
    • Set-up areas per team and lay out materials to make a plan
    • Execution of creation of the filter as well as treatment and examination of water samples
      • Cut off bottoms of 2-liter bottles, invert for filter materials
    • Complete lab sheet follow-up questions
  • Complete individual follow-up exit card

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  • Do not drink any of the water!
  • Clean your hands and lab area when done!

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Assessment

After students have completed the steps of setting up the filter and finding the “correct” answer, demonstrate and compare data found →

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Compare microscope sketches and which filter worked the best.

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Student Lab Sheet:

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Assessment

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Assessment Answers (for reference)

  1. Stages →
  2. Anaerobic bacteria
  3. Bioremediation and eutrophication limitations

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Differentiation

Click to add text

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Field trip to water treatment plant

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Water Treatment Underdrain sludge