Step 1: Safety First
- Before we begin, wear your safety equipment, such as gloves, if necessary, and apply sunscreen for outdoor activities.
Step 2: Prepare the Hole
- Dig a hole about 30 cm deep and 60 cm in diameter in a sunny spot. The hole can be smaller in diameter if needed.
Step 3: Fill the Hole
- Collect fresh vegetation, like weeds or vegetable waste, and fill the hole with it. Grass clippings work well in suburban settings.
Step 4: Position the Glass Container
- Place the glass container in the center of the hole, ensuring it has a firm base supported by the ground, not the plants.
Step 5: Cover with Plastic Foil
- Cover the hole with plastic foil, ensuring it is well sealed. Use stones on the edges to stretch and tense the plastic foil. The foil should have a sink in the middle, directly above the container.
Step 6: Let the Sun Work It's Magic
- Wait at least 2 hours to let the accelerated greenhouse effect inside the covered hole generate condensation. The water will evaporate, condense on the plastic foil, and drip into the container.
Evaluation
Could you observe the collected moisture in the glass container? The amount of water collected will depend on factors such as sunlight exposure, soil type, and vegetation used.
Theory
Discover how the soil captures and stores water, making it available to crops for absorption. The greenhouse effect inside the covered hole generates evaporation, condensing and falling into the container through gravity.
Additional Activities: Purify the Water
Explore the SODIS method of water purification using PET bottles. Investigate if the method works with other types of bottles, such as transparent or coloured ones.
Safety Note - Use caution while handling sharp objects or tools. Avoid any hazards during outdoor activities and ensure proper sun protection.
