Audience
Educators
Grade Levels
Grades 5-8
Subject
Engineering Design, Mathematics, Technology, Measurement and Data Analysis, Models
Type
Educator Guides, Lesson Plans / Activities
Earth provides the air we breathe, the water we drink, and other conditions that support life. Earth is a natural life support system. On the International Space Station, the Environmental Control and Life Support System provides these needs. The functions of an ECLSS include atmosphere revitalization; atmosphere control and supply; temperature and humidity control; water recovery and management; waste management; and fire detection and suppression. The activities in this guide focus on water recovery and management.
The challenge is to design and build a water filtration device using commonly available materials. To meet this challenge, students build, test and measure the performance of the filtration device, analyze the data collected, and use this information to work towards an improved filtration design.
Environmental Control and Life Support Systems Water Filtration Challenge Educator Guide [1MB PDF file]