Mai Lesson

Solar Still Challenge

Science · 30 min · Ages 16-18 · High school · You and your child together

This lesson challenges learners to design and build a functional solar still using common household items. They will explore the scientific principles of evaporation and condensation, and apply engineering design thinking to create a sustainable solution for clean water.

What your child gets out of it

• Design and construct a basic solar still to purify water.
• Explain the scientific principles of evaporation and condensation in the context of water purification.
• Analyze design choices and their impact on the efficiency of the purification process.

What you need

• Large Bowl — Needs to be large enough to hold the small cup and dirty water, and allow plastic wrap to seal over the top. (or Pot, Mixing Bowl)
• Small Cup — Should be small enough to fit inside the large bowl without touching the sides, and catch purified water. (or Glass, Yogurt Container)
• Plastic Wrap — Needs to be large enough to tightly seal the top of the large bowl. (or Clear Plastic Bag)
• Small Rock — Used to create a drip point on the plastic wrap, directly above the small cup. (or Pebble, Coin)
• Water — Will be mixed with soil to create 'dirty water'.
• Soil — Mix with water to simulate 'dirty water'. A small amount is sufficient. (or Dirt, Sand)
• Paper — For sketching design ideas. (or Notebook Paper)
• Pencil — For drawing design plans. (or Pen, Crayon)
• Dirty water (e.g., with soil)

How it runs

1. Introduction · 5 min
2. Explore & Plan · 8 min
3. Discussion · 6 min
4. Activity · 9 min
5. Summary · 2 min