Form 4 Science Project
Year : 2026
Name : __________________________
Grade : Form 4
Subject : Integrated Science
Title : Constructing a Simple Solar Water Distiller
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
To explain the process of evaporation and condensation in water purification.
To demonstrate how solar energy can be used to provide clean drinking water.
To design a low-cost solution for water scarcity in rural areas.
STAGE 1: PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
1.1 Description of the problem, innovation, or identified gap Many communities in dry regions lack
access to clean, germ-free drinking water. Contaminated water sources lead to waterborne diseases like
cholera. There is a need for a simple, non-electric method to purify salty or dirty water using natural
resources.
1.2 Brief statement of intent This project aims to build a solar still that uses the greenhouse effect to
distill water, making it safe for human consumption.
1.3 Design / Project specifications or parameters * The device must use solar radiation as the only heat
source.
It must be airtight to prevent vapor loss.
It must be made from recycled materials (plastic, glass, or foil).
The final output must be clear, distilled water.
STAGE 2: INVESTIGATIONS OF RELATED IDEAS
2.1 Evidence of a related idea * Idea 1: The Greenhouse Effect. Trapping heat inside a container to
increase the temperature of the water.
Idea 2: The Water Cycle. Using the principles of evaporation (liquid to gas) and condensation (gas to
liquid) to separate water from impurities.
Idea 3: Heat Absorption. Using dark-colored materials (black liners) to absorb more sunlight and speed
up the process.
2.2 Analysis of ideas * Analysis of Structure: Using a sloped transparent cover is highly effective because
it allows sunlight in and directs condensed droplets into a collection vessel. However, it requires a
perfect seal to work.
Analysis of Materials: Black plastic liners help heat water faster, which is a major merit. A demerit is that
some plastics may release odors if they get too hot.
Analysis of Efficiency: Solar distillation is slow compared to boiling, but its merit is that it requires zero
fuel or electricity.
2.3 Overall quality of presentation The investigation correctly applies physics and chemistry principles to
solve a biological health problem.
STAGE 3: GENERATION OF IDEAS/POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
3.1 Evidence of possible solution * Solution 1: The Single-Slope Solar Still. A box with a slanted glass lid.
Solution 2: The Cone Distiller. A circular basin with a plastic sheet weighed down in the center.
Solution 3: The Solar Kettle. A reflective curved surface that focuses light on a single tube.
3.2 Merits/advantages of each solution * Solution 1 is very stable and produces the most water per day.
Solution 2 is the cheapest and can be built in an emergency using a hole in the ground.
Solution 3 reaches very high temperatures quickly.
3.3 Demerits/disadvantages of each solution * Solution 1 is bulky and harder to move around.
Solution 2 can easily be disturbed by wind or animals.
Solution 3 is difficult to build without specialized reflective mirrors.
3.4 Overall quality of presentation The solutions range from high-efficiency builds to emergency survival
techniques.
STAGE 4: DEVELOPMENT/REFINEMENT OF CHOSEN IDEA
4.1 Indication of choice The Single-Slope Solar Still.
4.2 Justification of choice * Reason 1: Durability. The box structure protects the water from dust and
wind better than a simple plastic sheet.
Reason 2: Ease of Use. Once set up, it requires no maintenance other than refilling the dirty water.
4.3 Developments/refinements * Line the bottom with black waterproof material to maximize heat.
Use a sealant (like silicone or wax) to make the glass lid airtight.
Set the glass at a 30-degree angle to ensure droplets slide down into the collector.
STAGE 5: PRESENTATION OF THE FINAL SOLUTION
Model: The Solar Distiller Prototype
Title: Solar Distillation Unit (SDU-2026) Introduction: This device uses solar thermal energy to separate
pure H_2O from salt and dirt.
Body: The unit consists of a black-lined basin containing "gray" water. A glass cover traps solar heat,
causing the water to evaporate. Since salt and bacteria do not evaporate, they stay in the basin. The
pure vapor hits the cool glass, condenses into droplets, and trickles into a clean collection cup.
Conclusion: The SDU-2026 successfully produced 500ml of pure water in six hours of direct sunlight.
Recommendations: 1. Place the distiller in an area with no shadows.
2. Clean the glass regularly to allow maximum light penetration.
3. Use a deeper basin to hold more water for all-day distillation.
STAGE 6: EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 Relevance to statement of intent The project successfully demonstrated a low-cost method of water
purification using Science, Technology, and Engineering.
6.2 Challenges encountered * Condensation leaks: Some water escaped through the corners; solved by
using better tape.
Cloudy weather: On overcast days, production dropped significantly.
6.3 Recommendations * Schools should teach students how to build these for home use during
droughts.
Further research could be done using mirrors to "boost" the sunlight hitting the still.
Test the pH levels of the distilled water to ensure it is within safe limits