Time to be scientists and engineers! Today you'll solve a real Western Australian problem: stopping pollution from a mine. ⛏️

Step 1: Understand the problem. Mines leave piles of leftover rock called waste-rock stockpiles.

When it rains, water washes acids and chemicals out of the pile (chemical weathering and erosion). This can pollute the soil and waterways.

Step 2: Plan a fair test of your design. You'll build a model pile (sand + dyed salt) and "make it rain".

Change: the cover/barrier. Observe: how much colour washes out. Keep the same: the pile, the water, the way you pour.

Here's what markers are looking for. Aim for all of these! ✅

• A clear question, prediction and fair-test plan
• A safety note
• A labelled design, tested, with your result compared to the uncovered pile
• An explanation using weathering and erosion words, plus an improvement

Time to investigate! 🧪

1. Part A: Write your question, prediction and fair-test plan.
2. Part B: Note a safety risk.
3. Part C: Draw and label your design, then build and test it.
4. Part D: Explain your result using weathering and erosion, and how you'd improve it.

Remember, engineers try many designs before they solve a problem. Do your best thinking! 💪