How can students harness locally available natural resources to develop sustainable and accessible solutions that address water quality challenges in their partner communities?
Understanding the Challenge
Access to clean and safe water remains a significant concern in many communities, particularly those that rely on harvested rainwater as a supplementary water source. In our Grade 12 STEM Research class, students embraced the Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) framework to investigate environmental and public health concerns related to water quality. Guided by the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), students explored the potential of natural plant-based materials as sustainable water treatment alternatives.
This lesson is inspired by the Grade 12 STEM Capstone Project “Phyllatabs: Sustainable Purity from Nature,” where student researchers developed Phyllatabs, an effervescent water purification tablet derived from the stem bark of Alstonia macrophylla. The project aimed to explore the effectiveness of a plant-based purification agent in improving harvested rainwater quality within the Sitio Makabuhay community. The stem bark was extracted, processed into powder, combined with a binder solution, and compressed into effervescent tablets. These tablets were then tested using harvested rainwater samples collected from the community to evaluate their potential as an environmentally sustainable and locally sourced water treatment solution.
Subject
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Research / Capstone Project
Level
Grade 12 Senior High School (STEM Strand)
Theme
Sustainable Innovation for Community Water Quality Improvement
Related Topics
- Challenge-Based Learning (CBL)
- Water Quality and Purification
- Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- Experimental Research
- Natural Product Development
Focus Areas
- Research and Inquiry
- Scientific Method and Experimental Design
- Environmental Sustainability
- Product Development and Prototyping
- Community Engagement
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Digital Literacy through Apple Technology Integration
Learning Goals
Students will:
- Identify community-based environmental and health challenges related to water quality.
- Conduct experimental research using scientific methods and laboratory procedures.
- Apply critical thinking, innovation, and problem-solving skills in developing sustainable technologies.
- Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate product effectiveness.
- Collaborate effectively within research groups.
- Communicate scientific findings through presentations, multimedia outputs, and research documentation.
- Reflect on the potential social and environmental impact of their innovation.
Lesson Overview
In this Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) capstone project, Grade 12 STEM students investigate community water quality concerns and explore sustainable solutions through scientific research and innovation. Students identify the challenge of ensuring access to cleaner water sources, particularly in communities that rely on harvested rainwater. Through literature review, experimentation, and prototype development, students create Phyllatabs: Sustainable Purity from Nature, an effervescent tablet derived from Alstonia macrophylla stem bark. Throughout the project, students apply research skills, scientific inquiry, data analysis, and engineering design processes to evaluate the effectiveness of their innovation. Apple technologies such as Freeform, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, Camera, and iMovie support collaboration, documentation, analysis, and communication. The project culminates in a research presentation, prototype demonstration, and reflection on the innovation's potential impact on community health and environmental sustainability.
Activity Steps (CBL Framework)
1. Engage Phase: Identifying the Challenge
Students examined issues related to water accessibility and quality within local communities. Through community observations, stakeholder consultations, literature reviews, and environmental assessments, they identified the need for sustainable water purification methods that utilize locally available resources.
2. Investigate Phase: Conducting Scientific Research
Students conducted an extensive review of literature on medicinal plants and natural water purification technologies. They designed an experimental study to investigate the properties of Alstonia macrophylla stem bark and its potential application in water treatment.
3. Act Phase: Designing and Developing Phyllatabs
Based on their research findings, students developed Phyllatabs, an effervescent tablet formulated from powdered Alstonia macrophylla stem bark.
The development process included:
- Collection and preparation of stem bark samples
- Drying and grinding of plant materials
- Formulation of the tablet mixture
- Incorporation of binder and effervescent components
- Compression and shaping of tablets
- Testing using harvested rainwater samples from Sitio Makabuhay
- Students refined the formulation based on laboratory observations and experimental results.
Leveraging Apple Technology
Students integrated Apple tools throughout the capstone journey:
- Freeform for brainstorming, challenge mapping, and design thinking
- Pages for research documentation and manuscript writing
- Numbers for recording and analyzing experimental data
- Keynote for proposal, progress, and final defense presentations
- Camera for documenting laboratory procedures and fieldwork
- iMovie for creating project teaser videos and innovation showcases
Assessment Ideas
Teachers can assess students through:
Diagnostic Assessment
- Prior knowledge survey on water quality issues and purification methods
- Initial brainstorming and challenge-mapping activities (KWL Chart)
Formative Assessment
- Research proposal development
- Experimental design plan
- Progress monitoring sheets
- Peer feedback sessions
- Prototype development documentation
Summative Assessment
- Completed experimental research paper
- Functional prototype of Phyllatabs
- Scientific poster presentation
- Oral research defense
- Multimedia project teaser video
- Research portfolio
Sharing Learning and Impact
Students developed a range of multimedia outputs to communicate their research findings and innovation process.
Reflecting on Learning and Improving Solutions
Students reflected on the strengths and limitations of their prototype, analyzed the implications of their findings, and considered opportunities for further improvement and community application. Through peer review, mentor feedback, and stakeholder discussions, they refined both their research process and innovation design.
Impact on Learning
Through the development of Phyllatabs: Sustainable Purity from Nature, students experienced authentic scientific inquiry while addressing a real-world environmental challenge. The project strengthened their research competencies, laboratory skills, data analysis abilities, and innovation mindset. More importantly, it empowered them to view science as a tool for community impact and sustainable development. The integration of Apple technologies supported collaboration, documentation, creativity, and effective communication throughout the capstone journey, enabling students to transform an identified community challenge into a tangible, evidence-based solution.
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