WATER QUALITY TESTING (Years 5, 6 & 7)

Exploring the ways to test fresh water for its quality

A theory and practical lesson covering the concepts of pH, Turbidity and Salinity

BEFORE THE VISIT:
Introduce the concept of Acidity, Alkalinity and the pH scale
Introduce the concept of Turbidity (how dirty water is)
Introduce the concept of Salinity (how salty water is)

MATERIALS REQUIRED FOR THE VISIT:
Access to a chalk or whiteboard
Easy access to a sink and tap
A non-carpeted area needs to be set up in a series of workstations for more mature students, or as a demonstration area for younger students.
Students need to be divided into teams of 3 or 4 to work together

AVERAGE DURATION:
30mins for theory component and 30 mins for practical work

SUGGESTED FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITIES:
Years 6 & 7 can go on the Waterwatch Field Trip to a nearby creek or water body
Year 5 students can test water samples they bring into the classroom from home
Test a variety of common household products (coffee, tea, vinegar, soy sauce) and list their pH
Create a large pH scale for the classroom and label it with the items tested above