Another day, another project in our PLP class. This time it was a repeat, Blue Sky. Blue Sky is a project where we can research whatever pleases us. Our class was instructed to notify a problem, and design a product that would stop that problem. I was put in a group that would help the world. My group’s projects were based on problems that would help contribute to the world and people. My project? How to make filtered water to drink out of lake water. Let’s begin.

I first thought of the idea while I was hiking. Overall the hike was good, but I ran out of water. It was a long hike as well. That’s when I found out I could do my theme about water. I eventually came up with the idea of creating a self filtering bottle, using natural materials. I started compiling research and facts together, and I gathered my materials. The materials I used were charcoal, gravel and cloth.

I will now explain how the system works. At the top, you will cut a plastic bottle so it is open to put water in. Next, pour the materials. The order from bottom to top is fabric, gravel then charcoal. Pour in the dirty water. Now the filter will adsorb the bacteria, meaning the bacteria will stick to the charcoal and gravel.

When I first tried out my filter, it didn’t work like I had hoped to. The water turned out a dark yellow, and it looked a lot like apple juice. The reason for this was that the materials were not clean. I needed a better result. I then looked up how to create activated charcoal. Activated charcoal adsorbs bacteria, which lets the bacteria latch on to the charcoal. So, activated charcoal is charcoal that will adsorb the bacteria, more effectively than regular, straight from a bag charcoal that I used. When I used the activated charcoal, it came out a lot more clear, and appetizing. After it is filtered, boil the water or put in purification tablets . The reason for this is because all the bacteria hasn’t been filtered, and even though it looks clear, microscopic bacteria still resides in the water.

Overall, this project was so much fun. I loved how we could pick and choose our projects and the exhibition was super exciting and just amazing. I’m looking forward to next years blue skies. Bye for now!

Open Here to Look at my Creation Process iMovie