Students must utilize a filter that is able to remove microorganisms. Also, students must include a discussion on the origins of the impurities their filter removes. The filtration project is a perfect starting point for any discussion dealing with pollution. Students will need to develop an understanding of the inorganic chemistry that is occurring in their filtration system. An understanding of topics such as chemical reactions, stoichiometry, ions, solubility, and precipitation will be needed to successfully complete the project.
Water filtration is a real life problem.
It is important to drinking water, photography, kidney dialysis, and pharmaceutical production. The water filtration MST project is designed to develop student abilities in a number of disciplines and skill areas. Students are presented with the problem of impure home water, and must participate in an inquiry process geared towards solving the problem. To succeed, students must develop a working understanding of filtration, the processes which pollute and purify tap water, and the skills necessary to successfully produce and market their solution to polluted tap water problem. Learning is an integrative process.