A Grey Area
Youth test the quality of and categorize model water samples using real tools.
Guiding Question
How can we tell if water is safe enough to reuse?
TimingSetup
The Educator Guide has a script, materials list, and prep directions. Be sure to have it open and ready to help guide you through every activity.
- Post EDP Poster.
- Cut and distribute Water Sample Recipes to groups.
- Copy and cut Secchi disks on Educator Guide p. 27.
- Review how to test water quality in guide.
- Set up Materials Table: measuring spoons and scissors.
- Optional: copy acidity chart on Educator Guide p. 29.
Related Videos
Youth Will Know
- Engineers use models to investigate the problem they are trying to solve.
- Engineers and scientists measure water quality to find out how safe the water is to use for certain tasks.
- They can use tools to evaluate water quality.
Youth Will Do
- Investigate common household water contaminants.
- Categorize model sample qualities as pure water, waste water, or greywater based on the contaminants found.
Did you know?
Rain is slightly acidic. Most rain has a pH of 5.6 to 5.8. This occurs because carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere dissolves into rain water. Rain is likely to get more acidic as CO2 levels rise.
Quick Tips
- Have paper towels and a sink handy for clean-up.
- Set pH strips on paper towels.
- Higher water quality scores = higher quality.
- Use the Water Quality Cheat Sheet. See additional A1 card.