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Last Update:
Aug 12, 2002

SCIENCE EDUCATION STANDARDS 
Earth/Space Science Activity Example

“Water, Water, Everywhere”

NSES:  Earth Space Science Content Standard D: As a result of their activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop an understanding of the structure of the earth system.

Michigan Essential Goals and Objectives for Science Education Standard: Earth Sciences

Describe how water exists on earth in three states

Trace the path that rain water follows after it falls.

Describe the composition and characteristics of the atmosphere.

Explain the water cycle and its relationship to weather patterns.

 

Science concept: Transpiration

 Grade Level: 6^th

 Materials needed: Salt

                                Blue food coloring

                                Large mixing bowl

                                Clear plastic wrap

                                Hand lens

                                Glass cup

                                Tape

                                Penny

                               

Activity: Activity (How to extract fresh water from salt water): In a large bowl mix water with a few drops of food coloring and 2-3 teaspoons of salt.  Make sure the salt is dissolved.  Place a heavy glass cup in the center of the bowl.  The glass must be shorter than the bowl is deep.  Loosely cover the bowl with a single sheet of clear plastic wrap and carefully tape it to the sides of the bowl so that no air can get in or out.  Move the bowl to a sunlit area being very careful not to get the colored salt water on the plastic wrap or in the glass.  Place a penny on the plastic wrap so that it is directly over the center of the glass.  The plastic wrap should slope gently downward but should not touch the glass.  Observe what happens every hour for about 4-5 hours.  Carefully remove the plastic wrap.  What color is the water in the cup?  What does it taste like?  What happened? 

 

This can be expanded by seeing if the color of the water affects the amount of water in the cup at the end of 4-5 hours.  Students could experiment with a sun lamp positioned so that the angle of the light is varied.  Does the color of the large bowl have an affect on this process?

  

**At this point you would write at least one paragraph in your own words explaining the concept of the water cycle.

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