For this project we were tasked with researching and looking further into different water filtration devices and the uses of them and how they work. We were presented with many different options and ideas regarding water filtration and the overall cleanliness of our water. After researching and looking further into the different devices and methods we figured that we would do the life straw, a tube of sorts that gives you the ability to filter water as you drink it straight from the source. After choosing the life straw we thought of how we would present it. After a lengthy brainstorming process we decided that our best bet would be to cut it open and show the different components of the straw and show how each of them works and what they are used for. In addition, we decided that we would also cut open what is called the refresh2go water bottle filter, a very similar method to the life straw for a comparison. This filter is one that screws on the top of most water bottles and pours out filtered, clean water. After cutting open these two devices we found out that they are almost identical in material and use. After noticing this we knew that this wouldn't be a good enough comparison of filtration methods so we used a completely different idea and boiled the water to filter it.
Slides
Content
pH : A measure of hydrogen ion concentration, measurement of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. Solution: a special type of homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances Solute : the minor component in a solution, dissolved in the solvent. Solvent : the liquid in which a solute is dissolved to form a solution. Electrolyte : a liquid or gel that contains ions and can be decomposed by electrolysis Polarity : a separation of electric charge leading to a molecule or its chemical groups having an electric dipole moment, with a negatively charged end and a positively charged end
Reflection
Over the course of this project I learned many new concepts about water, the use of it, and how it is filtered. Water is the most important natural resource so I thought it was very beneficial to learn more about it. In completing this project, my group and I were forced to work together but also be independent. This leads me to my first peak as a group member. I feel that I was exceptional at being independent and being able to research and work on the project without much guidance or prior knowledge. Another strong suit of mine during this project was communication. Communication throughout the process was extremely easy because I was in a group with 3 people who I associate with on a daily basis. I feel like we were successful in balancing the work and the off task ideas and conversation. Along with the positives, there were also some things my group and I did poorly. One of these things was our management of time. We were given several weeks to work on this project, so I feel like we could have used our time more productively at times and made crucial improvements and tweaks in order to have a better presentation. Also I feel that each and ever one of us could have been more on task at one point or another. A second thing that I feel I need some work in or could have improved on is my critical thinking. I feel like my group and I had too closed of minds and didn't think on a broad enough scale. Looking back we could have done something much more in depth instead of narrowing it down to such a specific thing. We could have thought much more intricately and come up with a method or idea that would lead to more research or other topics.