< Water in Extreme Environments

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Improve a Process

Youth improve their process to better meet the criteria of their extreme environment.

Guiding Question

How can we make our water reuse processes better and more cost-efficient?

Activity Downloads

Timing

5 MIN. Introduction

5 MIN. Planning Improvements

35 MIN. Improve

10 MIN. Reflect

55 MIN. TOTAL

Setup

The Educator Guide has a script, materials list, and prep directions. Be sure to have it open and ready to help guide you through every activity.

  • Post EDP Poster.
  • Post Extreme Environments Quality Chart, Educator Guide p. 48.
  • Create a Materials Store with remaining filter materials.
  • Copy and distribute Engineering Showcase Invitations, Educator Guide p. 59.
  • If needed, replenish samples and copy new reuse plan cards, Educator Guide p. 53.

Youth Will Know

  • The improve step allows engineers to reflect upon and alter their original designs.
  • They can improve technologies they have designed.
  • Not getting it the first time helps make technology better.

Youth Will Do

Improve their water reuse processes.

Did you know?

The International Space Station filters and treats every drop of water used on board so it can be used again the next day.

Quick Tips

  • If groups struggled in Activity 4, use this as additional time to meet the criteria.
  • If groups accomplished the criteria in Activity 4, use budget constraints to improve the process.

Glossary

Improve (in engineering): To make a process better than the first design. Examples include something being cheaper, easier, or better at producing results.