Global Water Experiment
“Water – A Chemical Solution”
Throughout the
International Year of Chemistry, students from around the world will explore one of Earth's most
critical resources, water. The results of these investigations will be submitted to an online global database, contributing to what may become the
biggest chemistry experiment in history.
The Chemical Institute of Canada invites all teachers and students to participate in this world wide chemistry experiment during National Chemistry Week -
October 15-22, 2011. These experiments can be done in the classroom or at home!
Experiment materials are widely available at little to no cost. To participate please visit the official website at
http://water.chemistry2011.org/web/iyc for the full Water Experiment Modules, to register your class,
to enter your data and to view mapped data from other countries. Questions about the experiments or its materials can be directed
toward iyc@cheminst.ca
| Experiment |
Purpose |
Example Materials |
| pH of the Planet |
Students will learn about acidity by measuring the pH of a local water source. |
pH indicator:
- Solutions
- Litmus paper, or
- Test strips |
| Salty Waters |
Students will test salinity and learn about the nature of solutions. |
Petri dish
Cover
Balance |
| Water: No Dirt, No Germs |
Students will replicate the steps used in water clarification and/or disinfection, demonstrating the main steps in water treatment. |
2-L soft drink bottles
Fine sand
Coarse sand
Pebbles
Coffee filter
Rubber band |
| Solar Still Challenge |
Students will build and evaluate the efficiency of a solar still, gaining insight into how water can be purified by distillation. |
Bowl
Shallow glass
Rock
Cling wrap |
|
Gold Sponsors
Amgen, Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC), Imperial Oil, Lanxess, Maxxam Analytics, NOVA Chemicals
Silver Sponsors
Croplife Canada, BASF, Canexus, DOW Chemical Canada Inc., Newalta, Woodbridge Foam, Xerox Research Centre of Canada
Bronze Sponsors
Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA), Suncor Energy, ERCO Worldwide, Recochem
