Hobbies And Interests
Usage
Highlight how much water you use every day by collecting it. Throughout the course of one day, every time you use water approximate how much you've used and then put the equivalent amount in a bottle, bucket or other large container. At the end of the day, pour the water you've collected into measuring jugs to find out how much you've used. Remember that you use water not only when you drink it or bathe, but also when you brush your teeth, flush the toilet, water your plants and wash your face or hands.
Conversion
Water can be collected by converting it from its gas or solid form into liquid. In its gas form, steam, water can be collected by placing a cup over the spout of a kettle. As the steam fills the cup, it will condense into liquid. Ice, water's liquid form, melts to produce water. Observe ice melting in a glass in order to see the process. Both simple experiments provide a cost-free and hands-on science lesson that makes a good jumping off point for further discussions of evaporation, weather and molecules.
Outdoors
Collecting water from natural, outdoor sources has the added bonus of letting you gather and observe the many organisms that live in the water. Collect pond water and you'll likely find visible creatures such as insects and fish in it. Also prepare microscope slides with the water and look at the microscopic organisms you have collected. Compare pond life with river inhabitants and sea creatures to learn about the way that different types of water shape the distinct properties of their residents.
Quality
Water quality varies between different samples of water. Visit different water sites and collect a sample of water from each, sealing it in a bottle. Try collecting rainwater outside your home as well. Take the samples home and perform basic experiments with a home lab kit and test the acidity, salinity and conductivity. Also determine which sources have the cleanest water.