Project Execution

During the still construction and upon completion of the still, the students’ understanding of the construction process was reinforced through first-hand experience. Math problems were used that required students to interpret project plans and calculate material takeoffs thus strengthening students’ knowledge in one of their weakest subjects. The students’ knowledge of the natural physics in solar distillation was acquired during still construction and seeing the still in operation.

Students’ comprehension of solar distillation was tested at the beginning of still construction and throughout. In the practical labs, time was allotted by the teacher for the construction of the improved solar still with small groups of students. The practical lab monitors helped to manage groups of students performing project construction, increasing project involvement and building capacity.

The solar still and the solar flat-plate collector were not completed during the school year, due to difficulty in obtaining materials, as well as comprehensive senior testing at the end of the year. The improved solar still construction was completed during the summer, with the help of a few motivated students who took the initiative to come back to school to help. Distillation results are still pending.