Science Lessons For Life

Middle school science teacher Neal Bryant is an advocate for authentic learning. It was only fitting, therefore, that when his students were studying scientific inquiry and how the availability of natural resources has influenced human activity, Bryant issued a challenge. In the hands-on engineering project he created, Bryant asked students to design and test their own water filters using everyday materials, such as cotton balls, rocks, sponges, and coffee filters. Students worked in teams to see who could produce the clearest water.

“This activity gave students a chance to think like engineers,” said Bryant, “testing variables, analyzing results, and making modifications where needed.”

The students reviewed each others’ creations and determined winners in a “clearest water” championship, but the lesson was far from over. Continually seeking to connect content to real-world examples, Bryant sought the help of a professional in the field, Zack Bloodworth, whose work with the global company, LifeStraw, was a perfect match to the science curriculum.

A problem-solver and solution-seeker at heart, Bloodworth’s background in engineering and business has afforded him the opportunity to learn about product design and manufacturing. His most recent endeavor serving as a vice president of LifeStraw, however, has allowed him to pursue his passion for service by helping create equitable access to safe water for citizens globally. 

“This career has given me the chance to make a global difference, from emergency response here in the U.S. after natural disasters to implementing long-term water access programs in communities across Africa,” said Bloodworth. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how something as simple as a water filter can transform health, education, and opportunity.”

And, as it turns out, education is another passion of Bloodworth’s. So when Bryant approached him about the teaching partnership, Bloodworth was more than happy to oblige.

Bloodworth spent time with each of Bryant’s 8th grade science classes, giving them the history of LifeStraw, explaining what the company does, and sharing about their giveback program that happens each time a consumer product is sold.

Similar to the challenge faced by Bryant’s science students, LifeStraw employees design water filtration products to ensure clean drinking water. The company’s beginnings trace back to The Carter Center in 1994 when President Jimmy Carter spearheaded efforts to ensure safe water as a human right. As a result of his leadership, LifeStraw evolved as a partner in the fight for the eradication of Guinea worm, a parasite responsible for sickness and death found in unsafe drinking water across Africa. For more than 25 years now, LifeStraw has developed products to virtually eliminate the risk and actively responds to emergencies across the globe.  

While hearing of Bloodworth’s travels and experiences, the students were especially excited to sample what looked like a large glass beaker of murky, brown, littered water using a LifeStraw drinking device.

“It doesn’t taste like dirt,” smiled a relieved 8th grader, Hannah Whitney, after timidly placing the straw to her lips.

All students who tasted the water had the same pleasantly-shocked reaction.

“It tastes clean,” confirmed student Raylee Wesley, “and I really appreciate our guest leaving us a water filtration for our classroom.”

For Bryant, the students’ enthusiasm for hands-on science was refreshing, not unlike the taste of the filtered water he and students sampled. 

“When students can build, test, and see results right in front of them, the learning sticks in a way that a textbook alone can’t provide,” said Bryant.

Bloodworth shares his view and hopes students will put their own skills to work for the betterment of their own communities some day.

“By sharing our story, I hope to spark curiosity and show young people that whatever path they choose, they can use their skills to improve lives. 

And that’s a goal that leaves a good taste in everyone’s mouth!

Learn more about LifeStraw at lifestraw.com, and read more about the exciting learning happening in Crittenden County Schools on our website at crittenden.kyschools.us