Sixth-grade students from CES and SCES recently embarked on an exciting STEM project titled "Clean Water." This project aimed to address one of the most pressing global issues: access to clean water.
Students were organized into small groups, referred to as "companies," each tasked with developing innovative solutions to clean contaminated water. These companies then pitched their services to a panel of judges representing non-profit organizations who were looking to hire the best team for their water purification needs.
As part of the project, each company was tasked with developing a professional company website. These websites included:
An original, auspicious name and logo
Information about the company's beliefs concerning clean water
Pictures, names, and titles of company staff members
Data tables, graphs, and images showing their ability to collect and clean contaminated water
Additionally, the companies undertook several challenging tasks:
Design and print a 3-dimensional container to collect water samples
Fly a drone to a "contaminated" water source, collect water into an attached container, and fly the water sample back
Design and build a water filter; test and improve their design
Test the water, record the results in a data table, and graph the data
Develop a persuasive presentation and pitch their company to a "non-profit" group
Throughout the project, students engaged in hands-on learning, applying scientific principles and engineering concepts to real-world problems. They researched various water purification methods, designed prototypes, and tested their solutions. This project not only enhanced their understanding of environmental science but also fostered teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking.
The judges were impressed by the ingenuity and dedication displayed by all the companies. Each team presented unique and effective solutions, showcasing their ability to tackle complex challenges. The winning team will have the opportunity to further develop their project and potentially implement their solution in a real-world setting.
We are incredibly proud of our students for their hard work and innovative thinking. This project has not only educated them about the importance of clean water but also inspired them to become future leaders in environmental sustainability.
Special thanks to Rogers Group for partnering with SCES and Mrs. O'Dell on this project.
Congratulations to all students for their outstanding efforts!