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Extracting water from lunar soil - Learning about filtration and distillation | Teach with space C10
In brief
In this resource, students will learn about changes of state of matter using water on the Moon as an example. They will interpret data from a pressure vs. temperature graph for water to enable a discussion about how changes of state are different on the Moon compared to what we are used to on Earth. They will then compare two methods for separating mixtures, in the context of extracting water from lunar soil. They will be given pre-prepared lunar soil analogue blocks and compare simple distillation to filtration and decide which is most efficient on Earth and on the Moon.
In-depth
Languages: English, Danish, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish
Subjects: Chemistry, Physics
Age range: 12-16 years old
Keywords: Filtration, Distillation, States of matter, Phase transitions, Moon exploration
Learning objectives:
- Learning how changes of state vary depending on pressure and temperature.
- Understanding changes of state in terms of the particle model.
- Learning to use distillation equipment to separate mixtures.
- Using filtration to separate mixtures.
- Carrying out experiments appropriately, having due regard for the correct manipulation of apparatus, the accuracy of measurements and health and safety considerations.
- Evaluating methods and suggesting possible improvements and further investigations.
- Interpreting percentages and percentage changes as a fraction or a decimal.
This classroom resource is part of a set of resources developed by ESA’s Education Office in collaboration with ESEROs to support the Moon Camp project.
This Airbus Foundation Discovery Space animation explains how to get water on the Moon and make it last using a recycling system. See more animations about the basics of living on the Moon by Airbus Foundation Discovery Space.
