Water Sample: Testing for Bacteria

Water test- Lake Anza, Berkeley, California

Testing for bacteria: As a potential fresh water source, we found a local lake with many swimmers. We suspected this source would likely contain bacteria due to the water being fairly stagnant and high amount of human interaction.

Water test kit

Process: Using the WaterSafe test kit shown above, we were able to test for the bacteria. Bacterial growth is determined by changing of color from purple to yellow.

1) Added a small sample of lake water into a test tube that was filled with powdery substance that turned purple.
2) Waited 48 hours.
3) Resulting tube changed to yellow, indicating positive for bacteria.

Next steps: To decontaminate the water, we will proceed to do a UV pasteurization procedure and then retest the sample for bacterial growth. Stay tuned for continuation of the water test!

Tool Kit Components

Basic Kit Components

Description: These are basic kit components that will be used for a variety of construction and experimentation purposes. This will be an evolving set of components as the kit develops.

Hexayurt 

What is a  Hexayurt: A simple structure made out of pre-fabricated materials that is space and material efficient, able to withstand relatively harsh weather conditions, and maintain a consistent temperature in extreme climates.

Process: The following describes how we created the hexayurt pictured above. 

1. Designed a prototype on computer

2. Laser cut pieces

3. Pasted reflective film on one side

4. Cut out pieces using an exacto-knife

5. Assembled pieces together using tape/velcro 

Solar Components 

Solar: Solar power will potentially be used for 3 systems in the kit, described below.
1) Light- automatically turns on when it is dark outside using a control circuit through the solar cell.
2) Evaporative cooling system- solar energy powers a fan which blows moist cool air into the hexayurt.
3) (Beta) Thermal electric cooler- uses electricity to create temperature difference between two surfaces. This cooling system would work better in a humid climate but uses more energy. 

Project Description

The Survival Shelter Science Kit ("the kit") engages participants to build and experiment with the goal of improving or creating a desert relief shelter. Scientific techniques and engineering solutions are applied to real-world materials and equipment to educate and inspire participants to develop and test their own designs. The kit aims to intersect DIY design with science, and apply lab thinking to the outdoors. 

Conceptual diagram 

The kit comes packaged in a plywood box resembling a crate to be air dropped into a remote desert region. Participants first experiment with building a parachute to safely deliver the box out of paper, tape, and string. This quick introduction is fun and gives participants some practice with the construction methods used later. Inside the box, participants will find an assortment of lightweight and inexpensive building materials such as mylar faced foam and corrugated plastic. 

Perspective kit components 

Materials are pre-cut but offer a number of possible construction techniques to explore space and thermal efficiency with simple tape-up construction. Components for a simple water purification system and water contamination test are included. Electronic components include a solar cell, fan, and an led light to facilitate basic and intermediate circuit design and an evaporative cooling system. Finally, inexpensive instruments to evaluate the experiments such as thermometers, a voltmeter, and a water contamination test kit are included along with instructions and record keeping tables. 

Concept of packaging 

The resulting materials manifests itself as one or multiple shelters built by participants which can be performance tested outdoors. From electrical engineering to chemical testing, the experience partners design, craftsmanship, and scientific experimentation process to safely engage audiences 8 and beyond.

Concept of assembled hexayurt