Solar Sines and Water Lines: Using trigonometry to optimize the surface area to volume ratio in a PVC solar still
Energy and Change
Arya White
- Grade:
- 6
- Teacher:
- Ty White
This project started as a continuation of last year's project to build a solar still using affordable, durable and common materials. I spent most of the year building my prototype. I had challenges with glue being able to connect PVC and plexiglass. When I was finally able to test it, the temperature had dropped for the winter, so I planned to use math to find optimal testing properties of the water when it warmed up. Using trigonometry, I described key pieces in my circular cross-section and graphed them to represent how much water I think will make the prototype more efficient when I can start testing it again in warm weather.
This is a highly advanced engineering-math hybrid project with exceptional creativity and modeling sophistication.
How did you learn to do this math in 6th grade?
What are you going to do next with this project?
Where did you learn to do this math in 6th grade?
What are you going to do with this project next?
What are you going to do with this project next? This is fantastic math for a 6th grade project!