Water Pollution and Wastewater Treatment Lab Activity

In this activity, students explore methods to treat wastewater by creating a laboratory model that simulates large-scale commercial water treatment methods.

• Kit Aligned to Fundamental Frameworks Concepts ESS3
• Pre and Post-Laboratory Assessments
• Model Simulates Large-Scale Commercial Treatment Methods
• Estimated Class/Lab Time Required: 105 minutes over Three Lab Sessions
• Students Learn How Our Water Is Cleaned

They learn the purpose of each stage of the water treatment process and evaluate how effective each stage is. Students' understanding of the basic framework principle of Earth and Human Activity (ESS3) helps them learn and understand the importance of wastewater treatment.

Pre and post-laboratory assessments and vocabulary words target specific Science and Engineering Practices and common core standards. The teacher guide also contains specific "Did You Know" sections. A student copy master and material for five setups are included. The activity requires 105 over three lab sessions.

Certifications: aligned with all published National Standards.

Ordering information: This kit includes plastic cups, funnels, airline tubing, an air stone, a gallon plastic jug, cylindrical pint containers, an air pump, packages of filter paper, activated carbon, fine gravel, coarse sand, fine sand, clay soil, baking soda, a bottle of bleach, a bottle of green food coloring, a vial of garlic powder, aluminum potassium sulfate, a teacher's guide, and a student guide. A ring stand with a ring or clamp, local soil sample, and miscellaneous organic waste water are needed but not included.