
Water Fix Lab
Science for Clean Water
Grades 4-6
Overview
In Water Fix Lab, students investigate how water can be cleaned by designing and building their own filtration systems with materials like sand, gravel, cotton, coffee filters, and plastic bottles. As they test different filter layers, observe changes, and collect evidence, students explore matter, Earth resources, and the engineering design process. This toolkit helps students understand how science can support access to cleaner water and healthier communities.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
Investigate properties of water and mixtures.
Explore how filters separate materials.
Design and test a water filtration device.
Collect and analyze observations and measurements.
Apply engineering design to improve a solution.
Communicate scientific explanations using evidence.
TEKS Alignment
Texas 5th Grade Science TEKS Alignment
TEKS 5.1: Scientific and Engineering Practices
TEKS 5.6: Matter and Energy
TEKS 5.10: Earth and Space
TEKS 5.12: Organisms and Environment
Classroom Use
Small group activity (4–5 students per group)
Each kit contains materials for up to 30 students.
Ideal for 1 class period (approx. 45 minutes)
Materials
Plastic cups
Gravel or small rocks
Sand
Cotton balls
Coffee filters
Dirty water sample (soil, leaves, small particles)
Rubber bands
Measuring cups
Observation/data sheets
Request a Toolkit
For Houston-area teachers, we are offering free environmental education toolkits. Reach out and we will send your classroom one of our toolkits complimentary.

