Dirty Water Project Kit - ISL Grade 4 Unit 4 Overdue

This 4th grade Science lesson was shared with us by the International School of Louisiana.

Materials for each group of 3 students:

  • 2-liter plastic bottle cut in half horizontally (ask students to bring recycled bottles from home)
  • 1 spoon or other stirring utensil
  • 1 rubber band
  • 1 3" square of fine cheese-cloth
  • 1 data collection sheet per student (see lesson)

Materials to share among all groups:

  • filter materials (e.g. a 6" coffee filter or larger, 6 cotton balls, 6 cups soil, 6 cups sand, 1 dozen large and small pebbles, 6 cup activated charcoal)
  • aquarium aerator or a mechanical stirrer/mixer
  • measuring cups
  • 2 gallon sized jugs with lids for mixing "polluted water"
  • "polluted water" made by mixing water (enough to fill the jugs/jars ~¾ full), green food coloring, soil, organic matter, dishwashing detergent, vinegar, baking soda, salt, pepper, pieces of polystyrene foam (foam peanuts), small pieces of newspaper, and anything other relevant pollutants to your area

See the complete lesson plan here.