Marianne Pearl R.

Dugos BS Psychology 3A

Act. 22 – Solar Still Date: 12/11/2021

I. Problem: to examine the presence of moisture in the soil

II. Materials: plastic dipper (“tabo”) plastic sheet (100 cm x 100 cm), shovel, stone (one middle size;
assorted sizes)

III. Procedure:
1. dig a hole in the ground about (60 cm x 60 cm) deep, do this when it is sunny and warm
2. place an empty dipper in the center of the hole so it cannot tip over
3. stretch the plastic sheet over the hole and fasten it down firmly around the edges
4. use stones to hold the plastic sheet around the hole to keep it in place
5. the stones should be placed around the edge of the plastic leaving the center free
6. allow a little slack in the plastic sheet, and gently place a little stone in the center of the sheet
(do not used large stone or the sheet too slack, that the dipper becomes sealed)
7. allow the set up to stand for a day or overnight, checking to see that the setup is still alright
(do not perform this activity when weather is bad)
8. after a day or overnight, gently remove the stones and lift up one end of the plastic sheet, if
the underside of the plastic is wet, you may dismantle the apparatus
9. if no moisture has collected, replace the sheet and leave for another 24 hours before examining
the plastic for moisture
10. write down your observations
 After 24 hours the sheet is a little bit wet, and the dipper has a small amount of water.
11. what is the dipper for?
 The dipper act as a container, the dipper determines the amount of moisture that have been
collected for 24 hours
IV. Questions:
1. what is the source of water?
 From the moisture of the soil
2. is the water safe enough to drink?
 From the location I have observed the water that is collected is safe to drink
3. would the apparatus be a good thing to carry if you were traveling in the wild?
 Yes, it could help and saves life.
3. would you be able to collect any moisture in a desert region?
 No, because the soil in the dessert is dry

V. Drawing/Picture: attached a picture of your apparatus