Which is the better water filtering solution for a village? The water supply for a village in a developing nation is not safe to drink due to bacterial contamination. You have been asked to evaluate two purification systems to provide drinkable water. Identify and recommend which design best solves the problem.

In this design, gravity pulls water from a large clay tank through filters with tiny pores that remove bacteria. This design can be used to provide enough clean water for a family.

These tubes contain fibers that trap bacteria as water passes through. This design allows individuals to drink freely using suction as clean water passes through the fibers.

The steps below will help guide your research and develop your recommendation.

1. Define the Problem Write a statement defining the problem you have
been asked to solve. What are the criteria and constraints involved in
selecting a water filtration method?
*Criteria: features or qualities the solution should have.
*Constraints: limitations that engineers face during the design process.

The Problem: The problem I have been asked to solve is...

Criteria: The criteria involved in selecting a water filtration method are...
Constraints: The constraints involved in selecting a water filtration method are...

2. Conduct Research Identify possible societal and environmental
consequences of each design solution. Describe the strengths and
weaknesses of the solutions based on these factors.

Design Solution #1:
Strengths for Society and Environment:
Weaknesses for Society and Environment:
Design Solution #2:
Strengths for Society and Environment:
Weaknesses for Society and Environment:

3. Evaluate Data Analyze each design’s ability to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. Is one solution more useful than the other?
Which purification method will help the most people in the community?

Design Solution #1:
Does it meet the criteria? Explain:
Does it meet the constraints? Explain:

Design Solution #2:
Does it meet the criteria? Explain:
Does it meet the constraints? Explain:

Design Solution #? Is more useful than Design Solution #? Because….
The purification method that will help the most people in the community is….
because...

4. Identify and Recommend a Solution Make a recommendation based on your research. Which design do you think the town should use? Explain your reasoning.

I recommend the town uses Design Solution #? because…

5. Communicate Present your decision to the community. Your argument should use evidence that supports the design that best meets the specified criteria and constraints. You should also describe the strengths and
weaknesses of the design. Describe a situation where the alternate solution may be more useful.
Format: You may choose to do this presentation in the form of a Google Slide, ½ page essay, or poster.

Format You Have Chosen:
Google Slide
½ Page Essay
Poster

Insert Your Presentation Here:

Self-Check
Use this

I clearly identified the problem along with criteria/constraints for this problem.
I researched design solution strengths and weaknesses.
I evaluated data based on criteria and constraints.
My solution is based on evidence gathered from my research.
My recommendation is clearly communicated to others.