August can be hot, but it is the perfect time to dive into some cool and refreshing water science activities! These activities are designed to engage kids in hands-on learning while also providing a fun way to cool off during the summer heat. Get ready to splash into learning with these exciting water science activities that are sure to make your August cool!
Homemade Water Filter
Materials Needed: Plastic bottle, sand, gravel, activated charcoal, coffee filter, dirty water.
Instructions: Cut the bottom off the plastic bottle. Layer sand, gravel, and activated charcoal inside the bottle with a coffee filter at the neck. Pour dirty water through and observe how it becomes cleaner as it passes through the layers.
Science Explanation: Discuss how each layer helps to remove different types of impurities from the water, similar to natural filtration processes in the environment.
Density Tower
Materials Needed: Honey, dish soap, water, vegetable oil, rubbing alcohol, food coloring, clear glass or jar.
Instructions: Layer each liquid slowly into the glass in the following order: honey, dish soap, colored water, vegetable oil, and colored rubbing alcohol. Watch how the liquids stack on top of each other without mixing.
Science Explanation: Explain how density determines whether a liquid will float or sink when placed in another liquid. Each liquid’s density is different, which is why they form distinct layers.
Stay Cool!