What Is Wastewater?

Grade Level:
3-5

Subject Areas:
Science, Social Studies

Setting:
Classroom

Skills:
Analysis

Prior Preparation: Prior to this
activity, students should
become familiar with the
wastewater treatment process
by reviewing the US EPA poster
"How Do We Treat Our
Wastewater?" and completing
the activity "Where Does Your
Used Water Go?" activity on
the back of the poster. After
completing this activity and to
become familiar with
additional terminology, have
students complete the
"Wastewater Word Search"
included with your
information.

Vocabulary:
wastewater, filter, impurities,
pollution, wastewater
treatment system, non-point
pollution

Objective: To introduce students to the study of wastewater and water pollution control.

Materials: For each group: PART I - 1 quart jar 2/3 filled with clean water, 1 empty quart jar,
1/4 cup sand and small rocks, 1/4 cup dirt (may include decaying leaves, sticks, etc.), 1
tablespoon salt, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. PART II - Jars of various sizes, 1 small square of
wire screen, cheesecloth, 2 spoons, small funnels.

Procedure:
Divide the class into small groups of 3-5 students.

Have students make lists of the various contributors to wastewater in the area (for example
homes, businesses, factories, non-point pollution).

Have students "make" wastewater by adding all of their ingredients to the jar of clean water.

Discuss the value of water before and after it has been used and initiate the cleanup activity.

Students should use the screen, cheesecloth, funnels and spoons to remediate/filter their
wastewater. The water should appear cleaner and be relatively free of any floating debris. What
state of the wastewater treatment process have you emulated?

Discussion:
Is the water really clean? What other impurities might still be present? What additional
procedures might be necessary to clean up the water? How might water pollution be avoided in
the first place? (Note: This is an excellent opportunity to begin discussion of personal
responsibility and non-point pollution.) What type of wastewater treatment system is used in
your area?

Extensions:
Set up a tour of the nearest wastewater treatment plant.

Show video "Nature's Way" which can be borrowed from the Big Sioux Water Festival lending
library at no cost. This video is a 12-minute show describing the wastewater treatment process.

Vocabulary Glossary:
Filter: Any medium through which liquids or gases are passed to remove particulate material or
other undesirable constituents
Impurities: Something that, when mixed into something else, makes that mixture unclean or
lowers the quality
Non-point pollution: pollution that cannot be traced to a single source (Ex: outlet or pipe)
because it comes from many individual places or a widespread area
Pollution: Contaminants in the air, water, or soil that cause harm to human health or the
environment
Wastewater: Water that has been used for domestic or industrial purposes
Wastewater treatment system: Physical, chemical, and biological processes used to remove
pollutants from wastewater before discharging it into a water body

Activity source: The Association of Environmental Authorities