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EEngineering challengePhysicsMathematicsRenewable energyS3 to S6
Engineering challenge: design a solar-powered water pump for a rural school
A rural school of 600 learners walks 2 km for water. There is a borehole, but no electricity grid. Your team must design a solar pumping system that works, is affordable and lasts.
LevelS3 to S6 · teams of 3–4
Time2 lessons or a weekend project
SubjectsPhysics, Mathematics, Geography, Entrepreneurship
PriceFree: no account
🎯 Aim
To design a solar-powered water pumping system for a rural school, using calculations of water need, energy, power, efficiency and cost, and to justify the final design.
You will learn to
- Estimate a real need (water) from data.
- Use E = mgh, power and efficiency in a real system.
- Size solar panels and storage.
- Compare options by cost and performance and justify a decision.
🧭 What to do
- Step 1: set the number of people and the water each uses.
- Step 2: set the depth of the well and the tank height; read the energy.
- Step 3: choose battery backup and tank storage; read the number of panels.
- Step 4: choose a pump; compare the cost table.
- Step 5: check the efficiency and the cost per m³.
- Step 6: justify your design, then download your design report.
🧠 Investigate: answer from your design
Type your answer and tap Check. Use 💡 Hint first; open the method only when you are stuck.
➕ Get more from this challenge
📝 Free
Print the worksheet (button above), download the data, and save your report. Teachers can project this page in class.
📦 Premium Lab Pack
1 000 RWF
- Team workbook (6 steps) for a class project
- Price list template to fill with local supplier prices
- Presentation and assessment rubric
- Teacher guide with a model answer
👩🏫 For teachers
Use it as a practical when apparatus is missing, as homework, or as a project. Free lesson plans help you plan, teach and assess.
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