The Water Princess Water Filter STEM Challenge

As an elementary school teacher, you are always on the lookout for engaging and educational activities to use in your classroom.

With Earth Day right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to introduce your students to the importance of taking care of our planet's natural resources. One of our favorite activities to engage students in the real-world is the Earth Day Water Filter STEM activity.

This activity engages students by connecting them to kids of another culture, and educating them on a current world crisis. While many STEM activities are designed with 'fun' in mind, this one requires a certain level of seriousness.

This activity, designed for students in grades 2-5, is based on the beautifully illustrated book, "The Water Princess," by Susan Verde and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds.

This heartwarming story is inspired by the childhood experiences of Georgie Badiel, who had to walk long distances to collect water for her family in Burkina Faso, Africa. The story emphasizes the importance of water conservation and teaches students about the challenges that many people face in accessing clean water.

By engaging in this hands-on activity, students will learn about the science of water filtration and gain a better understanding of how access to clean water affects people around the world.

Here is a list of the materials needed for the Earth Day Water Filter STEM activity:

  • Scissors

  • Clear Cups

  • Water

  • Dirt

  • Various Filter Ideas: Coffee Filter, Paper Towels, Dryer sheets, Toilet Paper, etc.

  • The Water Princess by Susan Verde (Recommended)

Most of these materials are readily available at home or can be purchased inexpensively at a local store. By using household materials, the activity can be conducted without significant expense or extra time required to gather materials.

By engaging students with real life stories, we will inspire future scientists and engineers to find solutions to these real-world problems.

To learn more about the Georgie Badiel Foundation and get involved visit their website.

Lesson Plans for this STEM Challenge and hundreds more are included in the STEM Teachers Club Membership!

STEM, STEAM, Maker Education, Makerspace, EngineeringCarly and AdamSTEM, STEAM, Maker Education, NGSS STEM, Engineering, Makerspace ToolsComment