Project Title:
"Building a Model Rainwater Harvesting System for Our School"
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Stage 1: Problem Identification (5 Marks)
Problem Statement:
Water is a vital resource, yet many schools face challenges with water wastage and shortages. Our
school has significant rainwater runoff that is not utilized effectively. This leads to wastage of water that
could otherwise be stored and used for purposes such as cleaning, gardening, and washing.
Intent and Design Specifications:
To create a model of a rainwater harvesting system that demonstrates how rainwater can be collected,
filtered, and stored for later use.
To educate students about water conservation and sustainable practices.
To explore the feasibility of implementing a real rainwater harvesting system at the school.
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Stage 2: Investigation of Related Ideas (10 Marks)
Existing Ideas:
Roof-based rainwater collection systems that direct water into storage tanks.
DIY models for demonstrating filtration and storage processes.
Drip irrigation systems that use stored rainwater for gardening.
Merits:
Promotes sustainable water use and conservation practices.
Helps students understand the water cycle and its practical applications.
Encourages teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Demerits:
A full-scale system requires significant investment and space.
Maintenance and upkeep of the system may be challenging.
Younger students may find technical concepts difficult to grasp without guidance.
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Stage 3: Generation of Ideas/Possible Solutions (10 Marks)
Ideas Generated:
1. Create a simple roof-based rainwater harvesting model using recycled materials.
2. Develop a working model of a filtration system using layers of sand, gravel, and charcoal.
3. Simulate water collection and storage using gutters, pipes, and a small tank.
Analysis of Ideas:
Roof-Based Model: Provides a clear demonstration of water collection but may require technical
expertise for construction.
Filtration System Model: Focuses on purification but doesn’t address storage and usage.
Simulated Collection System: Combines collection, filtration, and storage effectively, making it the most
comprehensive option.
Chosen Solution:
The Simulated Collection System was chosen for its ability to showcase the complete rainwater
harvesting process in a practical, engaging, and educational manner.
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Stage 4: Development/Refinement of Chosen Idea (10 Marks)
Plan for the Rainwater Harvesting Model:
1. Preparation:
Collect materials: a plastic container (storage tank), plastic pipes (gutters), and small trays (roof
simulation).
Gather materials for filtration: sand, gravel, and activated charcoal.
Assign roles to team members for building, testing, and presenting the model.
2. Construction:
Create a "roof" using cardboard or plastic trays to collect water.
Attach pipes to direct water from the roof to the storage tank.
Design a filtration unit by layering sand, gravel, and charcoal in a small container.
Connect the filtration unit to the storage tank.
3. Testing:
Use water to simulate rainfall and observe the system’s ability to collect, filter, and store water.
Make adjustments to improve efficiency.
4. Final Presentation:
Prepare a demonstration to explain the working model during the school assembly.
Highlight the benefits of rainwater harvesting and the system’s potential use in the school.
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Stage 5: Presentation of the Final Solution (10 Marks)
Written Report:
Title:
"Model Rainwater Harvesting System: A Step Towards Sustainable Water Use"
Introduction:
This project demonstrates how a rainwater harvesting system can be used to collect, filter, and store
water in schools, reducing wastage and promoting sustainable practices.
Objectives:
1. To build a working model that illustrates the rainwater harvesting process.
2. To educate students about water conservation.
3. To explore practical applications for the school environment.
Description of Activities:
1. Design and Construction: A model was built using recycled materials to simulate rainwater collection,
filtration, and storage.
2. Testing and Observation: Simulated rainfall was used to test the model’s efficiency and functionality.
3. Presentation: The model was demonstrated to students and teachers, with explanations of its
components and benefits.
Outcomes:
Students learned about the water cycle, filtration, and sustainable water use.
The project sparked interest in applying these principles to a full-scale system for the school.
The model successfully demonstrated the collection and filtration of rainwater.
Challenges and Recommendations:
Some materials were difficult to source; future projects should plan for material acquisition in advance.
The system could be scaled up for actual use in the school.
Conclusion:
This project effectively showcased the principles of rainwater harvesting and highlighted its relevance to
sustainable water management in schools.
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Displayed Presentation:
Slide 1: Title Slide
Title: "Rainwater Harvesting: Building a Sustainable Future for Our School"
Include the school logo and group members’ names.
Slide 2: Objectives
Bullet points summarizing the project goals.
Add a diagram showing the rainwater harvesting process.
Slide 3: Activities
Photos of students building and testing the model.
Short descriptions of the key components (roof, pipes, filtration, storage).
Slide 4: Outcomes
Show a chart comparing water usage with and without rainwater harvesting.
Include quotes from students about their learning experience.
Slide 5: Challenges and Recommendations
List the challenges faced and potential improvements.
Propose steps for scaling up the model for real-life application.
Slide 6: Thank You Slide
Acknowledge participants, supporting teachers, and helpers.
Add a group photo with the completed model.
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Stage 6: Evaluation and Recommendations (5 Marks)
Evaluation:
Relevance: The project addressed the importance of sustainable water use and conservation.
Challenges: Sourcing materials and ensuring effective filtration required additional effort.
Impact: Students developed practical skills, environmental awareness, and teamwork abilities.
Recommendations:
1. Scale up the model for real-world implementation in the school.
2. Introduce workshops on water conservation for all students.
3. Expand the project to include monitoring of rainfall and water storage data.
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This complete project integrates all stages and provides practical and educational value. Let me know if
you need further details or assistance!
