Name:
Yr. & Section:
General Chemistry 1
Experiment 1: Filtration
Objective: Students will learn the basic concept of filtration as a process to separate solid
particles from liquids. It also raises awareness to students about the water quality issues,
pollution, and the importance of clean water for ecosystems and human health.
Materials:
Muddy water
Cotton balls or fabric
Sand
Charcoal
Gravel
Pebbles
Containers (empty 1L of plastic bottle)
Purpose:
The purpose of filtration for the students is to provide an actual demonstration of the process of
water purification. By allowing students to witness the separation of solid particles from water
through filtration, it helps them understand how essential clean and safe drinking water is in the
real world. This experiment also develops the critical thinking skills of the students and explores
the effectiveness of filtration. Also, it instills awareness of the environmental issues related to
water pollution and inspires a sense of responsibility towards preserving water quality.
Filtration Experiment
Procedure:
1. Clean and rinse all materials thoroughly to remove any contaminants.
2. Cut the 1L plastic bottle into half
3. Place the bottle upside down, put a layer of cotton balls or fabric at the very bottom.
This helps in trapping fine particles.
4. Place a layer of sand on top of the cotton. The sand helps filters out smaller particles.
5. Add a layer of charcoal on top of the sand. Charcoal helps remove odors and some
chemical impurities.
6. Add a layer of gravel on top of the charcoal. This provides additional filtration.
7. Place a layer of pebbles or large stones on top of the charcoal. This acts as a coarse filter
to catch larger debris.
8. Set a clean beaker below the filter bed to collect the filtered water as it drips out.
9. When you’re done setting up, carefully pour the muddy water into the top of the filter
bed. The water will gradually trickle down through the layers.
10. Wait for the water to pass through the filter bed. The layers of gravel, sand, charcoal,
and cotton will progressively clean the water as it moves down.
Guide Questions:
1. Did the filtration process successfully clarify the muddy water?
2. How clear did the filtered water become compared to the initial muddy water?
3. What changes or observations did you observe during the experiment?
4. Were there any visible particles or sediments left in the filter bed?
5. How did the water quality after filtration compare to your expectations before the
experiment?