Building a Simple Water Filter
Energy and Change
Noah Burriss
- Grade:
- 5
- Teacher:
- Lourdes De Leon
In this project, the student wants to find out if dirt and mud can be removed from water by using a plastic bottle with layers of sand, gravel, and charcoal.
I really like that you chose a problem that matters in the real world. Your project shows you care about helping people get cleaner water. I’m impressed that you didn’t stop after your first try; you tested multiple prototypes and fixed problems like the water not flowing and the vacuum issue. That is exactly how engineers think. Your final design change (charcoal + sand + gravel) was smart, and your photos made it easy to follow.
This is a strong and well-designed project that demonstrates solid problem-solving and engineering skills. The student clearly understood the challenge of dirty water and thoughtfully worked through several filter designs to improve performance. Each modification was made for a clear purpose, and the final filter performed better than the earlier versions. The project is well organized, creative, and shows genuine effort and learning. With additional measurements and a more clearly stated question at the beginning, the project could be even stronger.