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The first step in any lesson sequence is to start with a good context of learning. For a science or engineering unit, this is essential. What are the real world issues, stories, history, that contextualize the science concepts and engineering challenge? The context should be rich in relating science and engineering to real people in real situations. There are many stories available on various websites. Two are included here.
This first video is a general overview of the importance of water and the world need for drinking water. It also introduces the student to the idea of filtration and a specific filter promoted by Potters for Peace. For more about Hurricane Mitch and other water filters, click Hurricane Mitch
To develop the context further with students, play the following movie/slides. The first two describe the water shortage challenge in a very personal way by showing rap artist Jay Z interacting with African children as he follows their daily routine.
To reinforce the need for purifying surface water, use this set of slides aimed at helping students understand the consequences of using surface water for drinking.
During the viewing, consider some guiding questions to help students direct their attention:
• What are your observations from each slide?
• What was the story that these slides told?
• What would you like to know more about?
Getting Students Thinking about Engineering
Understanding the full story of the impact of contaminated water may elevate a student's level of concern and help motivate them to learning more or working on potential solutions. Engineering is about working with others to find solutions to a multitude of problems. The initial context develops a theme of contaminated water in many areas of the world resulting in disease and loss of life, particularly for children. What can be done about this problem? There are many engineers who have worked on this problem. To help students get a sense of how engineering design has led to some solutions, help the students think of possibilities. Drilling fresh water wells is one solution. Developing water pumps that will work on these deep wells is another.
Engineers must consider the problem by viewing environment, the available tools and materials, the skills, culture and interests of the people, and then viable technological solutions to the problem. It is important to lead students to the idea that a solution for rural Oregon may not work elsewhere in the world. Click on the Engineering icon for more about the nature of engineering.
Show the following videos of water pumps if interested in pursuing the design of pumps:
A well or pump might be a solution, but many people may still need to use surface water so filtering the water may also be essential. Watch a video overview of the Potters for Peace project if interested in learning more about filters.
Clay water filters are simple pots fired from local clay and other ingredients to form a porous filter. When treated chemically, the pot is used to filter water that can be used for drinking or cooking. The pots are simple to make, can be manufactured with a limited amount of industrial equipment, and are easy to use. If you want to see more detail on how these pots are made, step-by step, visit this page for two additional videos from Potters for Peace:
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