Thinking Like a ChemE: Building a Humanitarian Filter” is a workshop activity that allows students grades 3-8 to think critically while using very basic separation principles to make a water filter from common everyday objects. As background, we ask students to think about the real life application of this exercise: the example we give the students is the victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico who may need a cost efficient water filter from materials they already have.
Students are divided into teams of 5-7, plus 1 or 2 supervising volunteers per team, depending on the classroom size or preferences of the teacher or demonstrator. They are given “dirty water”, and their goal is to create a filter that will remove undesirable particles from the water to achieve clear water with a pH close to 7.
| Module details | |
|---|---|
| Best-suited audience | Array |
| Interactive? | Yes |
| Approx. time requirement | 120 minutes |
| AIChE community affiliation | University of Florida Student Chapter |
| Approx. # of volunteers | 10 |
| Recommended audience size | 40 |
The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) presents these resources for the education and enrichment of the public. AIChE has made best efforts to assess these resources for safety and suitability for public demonstration.
AIChE is not responsible for the use or misuse of these materials. In no event shall AIChE, its officers, employees, affiliates, or other representatives be liable for the results or any loss or damage stemming from this use or misuse.
The user of these resources accepts any legal liability or responsibility whatsoever for the consequence of any use or misuse.
By downloading these materials, you agree to abide by these terms.