Water isn’t just for drinking or bathing.
The transparent, odorless, and nearly colorless chemical substance can actually do a lot of cool things. And if you’re in need of a science fair idea this school year, let water inspire you.
You could create your own storm. With some shaving cream, food coloring and, of course, water, you can create a storm at home to imitate how clouds hold and release precipitation, aka rain, snow, sleet, or hail. Precipitation is an important part of the water, or hydrologic, cycle. It is the main way atmospheric water returns to the surface of the Earth. Learn more about the project here.
As long as you’re making storms, what about making a rainbow? A rainbow is a multicolored arc made by light striking none other than water droplets. Tailor a science fair project to experiment with water density via this project. This project also uses the scientific method and requires cups, warm water, sugar, and food coloring.
If you like the idea of focusing on water density, there’s a project involving racing marbles. Test out how water density compares to other liquids around the house, whether it’s vegetable oil, corn syrup, shampoo or more, with a little competition. Make a hypothesis and see how close you get.
Looking for a project with a little historical perspective? Try making a water clock. Water clocks were among the earliest timekeepers that didn’t depend on the observation of celestial bodies, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology. One of the oldest was found in the tomb of an Egyptian pharaoh, buried around 1500 BCE. Check out this project that incorporates history, math, engineering, timekeeping and more.
OK, you’ve learned how dense water is, how clouds and rainbows work and how to make a clock, but what about how to clean water? Perhaps you want a project focused on converting impure water into chemically pure water by distillation. Distillation is the process of purifying a liquid by successive evaporation and condensation. Why not play with some muddy water and learn at the same time with this project?
Perhaps you want a science fair project that ties in the environment. Well, this project demonstrates how our favorite lakes and rivers can easily become polluted. With this project, you can learn and help your classmates learn the importance of not littering. Water is essential to our survival, and keeping it clean helps not only ourselves but all the aquatic life that call it home.
What’s stronger: water or rocks? It’s a question that can be answered by this interesting science experiment. Did you know something as simple as water is capable of breaking down durable products? Set your hypothesis and get to work with some chalk, water, a marker and paper.
There are a lot of fun and interesting things to learn about water and its role in our world. Have fun exploring!