Challenge 020 · Ages 9–16
Water Filtration Challenge
Build a simple water filter.
Recommended Guided Learning Time: 2.5 hours
Learners may require additional or fewer hours depending on age, prior experience, pace and the level of development they choose to take their project to.
Primary STEAM area
Science
The Challenge
What will your learner investigate?
Can you design a filter that makes dirty water visibly cleaner and explain its limitations?
Learning outcomes
- Identify filtration as a separation process.
- Select and arrange materials based on their properties.
- Test water before and after filtration and evaluate the design, recognising that filtered water is not automatically safe to drink.
Connected learning
Science: materials, mixtures and separation; Geography: water resources; Mathematics: volume and data; Citizenship: access to clean water.
Dream Areas
Prepare for this Challenge
What you'll need
Here's what may be useful for completing this activity. Requirements may vary depending on the learner, activity format and equipment available.
Materials & consumables
- Gravel
- washed sand
- filter paper or cotton
- activated charcoal (optional)
- prepared muddy-water sample
- plastic bottle or filter housing.
Equipment, tools & software
- Funnel
- clear collection cups
- scissors
- measuring jug
- optional turbidity comparison card.
Safety & preparation
- The filter may improve visible clarity but does not make water safe to drink
- adult cuts bottles
- use simulated dirty water without sewage or pathogens.
These preparation notes support planning and do not replace a project-specific risk assessment or appropriate adult supervision.