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Engineering challenge: a clean-water filter for a school
River water is muddy after the rains. Design a sand and charcoal filter that gives enough clear water for the school every day.
LevelS2 to S6 · teams of 3–4
Time2 lessons or a weekend project
SubjectsPhysics, Mathematics and more
PriceFree: no account
🎯 Aim
To design a slow sand filter by choosing layers and containers, balancing water quality (turbidity) against flow rate, and to plan safe disinfection.
You will learn to
- Calculate daily water needs.
- Model how each layer reduces turbidity.
- Use flow rate to size the filter.
- Explain why disinfection is still needed.
🧭 What to do
- Step 1: estimate how much drinking water the school needs.
- Work through each numbered step: move the sliders and choose the options.
- Watch the drawing and the results change after every choice.
- Compare the options and their costs in the table and the chart.
- Answer the questions below, using 💡 Hint before the method.
- Justify your design in the last step, 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 for every design step
- Data and price list template
- Presentation and assessment rubric
- Teacher guide with a full 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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