Define a Problem
We created a Gantt chart and Decision matrix to help us manage our time and keep the goal of the project in mind and focused. As for delegating team responsibilities, Ryan and I have decided that he will be doing most of the Weebly, while i research materials and test our prototypes. this will allow us to accomplish more work at a much faster rate, which is important as we do not have much time to finish our filter.
Brainstorm
Research and Generate Ideas
In this stage, Ryan and I had to research some of our materials we planned on using to find out what works well in filtering water.
https://www.cdc.gov/safewater/ceramic-filtration.html
![Picture](/uploads/3/9/1/8/39189403/capture_5_orig.png)
A second common filter material we researched was activated Carbon (also known as charcoal). Charcoal has been used as a water filter since the ancient egyptian times. While it is not full-proof, as it does little to filter out bacteria and inorganic material that may be dangerous to drink. However, carbon has reportedly aided in taste in freshness of water, and the region in which it excels is turbidity. Lucky for us, turbidity is the only testing we are doing.
http://www.purewaterproducts.com/articles/carbon
http://www.purewaterproducts.com/articles/carbon
![Picture](/uploads/3/9/1/8/39189403/capture_6.png?250)
The third material we researched was sand. Sand filters water by trapping any particles in the water via the millions of tiny particles. While sand is used in many filters today and is effective, by itself it is not the most effective. Also, for sand to be used in a filter effectively, a lot of sand is needed.
http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/science-and-innovation/agricultural-practices/water/ponds-and-dugouts/farm-surface-water-management/filtration-how-does-it-work-/?id=1189695164631
http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/science-and-innovation/agricultural-practices/water/ponds-and-dugouts/farm-surface-water-management/filtration-how-does-it-work-/?id=1189695164631
Explore Possibilites
|
During this phase, we tested the materials to see how effective they filter water individually. We tested charcoal, sand, mesh netting, cotton, and rocks. Our findings concluded that each material, on its own, is not an effective enough filter, or anywhere close. For all 5 materials, each were too high of a turbidity for our sensor to accurately get a reading.
|
Select an Approach
After completing our decision matrix, Ryan and I decided that a clay pot is not a material we would wish to use.
Develop a Design Proposal
Make a Model or Prototype
Testing Results/ Refining the Design
Our design took a lot of revising. the original idea was just one water bottle, with every material squished in. After a day of changing the orientation of the materials, switching out coffee filters, and frustration, Ryan and I ended with a turbidity value of 65.4. Realizing we had come up short, the next class we started fresh. Using fresh, unused materials, we created a new filter using 2 water bottles, as we figured it would do double the filtering (not really, but redundancy was the best option at this stage of the project). Using 2 water bottles did allow us to use more of each material, which i do believe made a difference. Sadly, this method did not work either, as we were still receiving turbidity value of 53.7 at best. At this point, in desperation, i added a 3rd water bottle as the end of the filter. The 3rd water bottle did the trick, and after switching out already-used coffee filters, our water filter was complete.
Communicate Process and Results
See Ryan's weebly.
Conclusion/Reflection
The Water Filter Project was easy enough, yet tedious and frustrating. To watch other groups who appear to be doing the exact same thing you are doing, yet get a turbidity value half the value of yours is difficult. While the initial design and ideas of the filter are easy to create, decreasing turbidity proved to be harder than expected. It also does not help to know what you are creating is completely obsolete in the world of filters. While it took some time for Ryan and I to create an adequate filter, we managed our time well and worked together so neither one of us ever felt overworked. We worked on the weebly throughout the entire project, which allowed us to use our time in the classroom trying out new solutions to create a working filter. Next time, i probably would have researched the order of materials that finishes with the cleanest water. As for future students, i feel as though the project, on the whole, is good. It challenges students, forces them to troubleshoot and revise, and to work together. I would maybe recommend adding a little bit more time, so that students are able to acquire materials and work at a pace that isn't rushed and hectic.