Science experiments promote the study of the physical and natural world. When it comes to studying science, it’s not just about facts but also about discovering new things by testing ideas and theories. Educators understand that scientific learning goes beyond textbooks. What makes science so interesting is its ability to be interactive with hands-on learning. One of the best ways to bring scient to life is through science experiments.

Science experiments encourage students to use scientific thinking. When they test a hypothesis, their learning goes beyond rote memorization as they develop an understanding of the world around them. When students are encouraged to use the scientific method, they ask questions, search for information to create theories, conduct scientific experiments, and collect data to answer their questions.

Why Test Assured Science Experiment Kits

With Test Assured’s Science Class Water Test Kit With TDS Meter, you can promote not only learning but the discovery of new ideas. Using our science experiment kits to test water encourages students to search for knowledge. They will learn how to adapt as they test different hypotheses while learning what works and what doesn’t work. Sometimes students learn more when they can understand not just the way something is but why it is that way. This is the kind of learning that our science experiment kits encourage through active learning.

Our water testing kids allow for an endless number of experiments that can be performed in the classroom. Students can all perform the same test and compare results, or they can be allowed to come up with their own unique experiments. The possibilities are endless. Challenge your students to come up with their own ideas or use some of the experiments that we’ve done ourselves. Using Test Assured Water Test Kits, you give students the freedom to explore, experiment, and explain.

The Testing Process Simple

The first thing you’ll need to do is gather up your supplies. Start with either of our water testing kits. The kit with the TDS meter will allow you to test for total dissolved solids using the TDS meter. The only other thing you will need is a selection of water samples. All of our kits come with a handy results notebook to keep track of your data.

Start with your TDS test since the meter will not fit in the test vials. It’s easier to complete this part of the experiment before transferring your samples to the vials. To perform the TDS test, simply turn on the meter and submerge the prongs in the samples. Rinse the meter with clean water and pat dry between each test.

After completing the TDS test, transfer the samples into the vials and label them, so you know which samples you are testing. Now you’re ready to get started with the rest of the tests. Follow the instructions to complete the Alkalinity/pH/Hardness Test, Total Chlorine/Copper/Nitrate/Nitrite Test, and Iron Test. It’s as simple as dipping the test strip in your sample, then comparing the strip to the color chart and recording the results.

Be sure to do the Iron Test last. There is a reagent that needs to be added to the sample that could alter the results of other tests.

Sample Science Experiments

1. An easy test to perform involves testing homemade water filters. Imagine if you had a natural disaster that compromised the local water supply. This is a real possibility for many people who live in hurricane and storm-prone areas. In such an emergency, your only source of water may not be safe to drink. If you don’t have a supply of clean water, would you be able to improvise and use common household materials to filter water to make it safe to drink? For this science project, testing homemade water filters, all you need is a water testing kit, some dirty water, and a few common household items for filters. We decided to use a paper towel, cotton, and a microfiber cloth as our filters.
2. If your students don’t mind a little dirt, they’re sure to enjoy this easy-to-perform science project testing dirty water. The first step is easy. Send the kids outside to collect three different dirt samples. Maybe scoop up some dirt from a potted plant or a garden area. Dig up a little bit of dirt and grass. Collect some mulch. Sweep up some grit from the street. Mix the dirt samples with some water, open up your water testing kit, and have everything you need for a fun science experiment.
3. Some health departments recommend flushing your pipes before using your tap water. This is because as water sits idle in pipes, it is possible that it could absorb materials from the plumbing system. The best way to avoid ingesting any of this contaminated water is to flush the pipes by letting your water run for a few minutes before using it. Your students can see how effective this theory is by conducting a simple experiment. Use our water testing kit to test water samples collected after flushing the pipes for varying amounts of time.
4. If your water was declared unsafe, what would you do? There are many simple methods that can be used to purify water at home, but which one works best? For emergency disinfection, the EPA recommends boiling water for one minute or adding bleach to disinfect your water. In this simple experiment, a Test Assured water testing kit to test some of the most common methods for improving water quality.

Sharing Your Results

Once you have completed each of the four tests on your samples, it’s time for your students to share their results. You can have them arrange the test sticks on a poster board to create a visual comparison of results from the different samples they collect. Older students can even create some graphs or charts from their results to highlight their conclusions.

These were just a few of the science experiments that we’ve performed with our water testing kits. Encourage your students to get creative and come up with their own ideas for science experiments.

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Does the Time of Day Change What Is in Your Water?

With all of the scares about water quality and safety, there are many ways you can reduce your risk of drinking contaminated water. One of the cautions we have heard recently is that the quality of your municipal water can change depending on the time of day. This theory makes for an easy science fair project because all you need to do is collect samples from different times of the day and test them with the supplies provided in our science fair kit.

Are All Bottled Waters Created Equal?

As we’ve seen from recent news headlines, you cannot take safe drinking water for granted.  When people are worried about the quality of their tap water, they often turn to bottled water.  Today, bottled water is a growing industry, and there are dozens of brands to choose from, but are all brands created equal? Pick up a few different brands of bottled water, and you have all you need to put together an interesting project using our tests.

What’s in Your Mineral Water?

This is another experiment that uses store-bought water. The bottled water business is booming with a growing variety of water. Mineral water is touted to offer extra health benefits and is favored by those who like sparkling water with bubbles. For this project, you’ll test to see if there really is a difference between the different types of sparkling water. Along with the test kit, you’ll also need to purchase different brands of mineral water to test.

Is Rainwater Safe to Drink?

The continental United States gets an average of 30 inches of precipitation each year. With all of the water falling from the sky, you might be wondering if rainwater is safe to drink. While using rainwater is a great way to conserve resources, some sources state that rainwater might be harmful if used as drinking water. Depending on how the water is collected, it could contain dangerous contaminants. This project compares a variety of rainwater samples to regular tap water and filtered tap water to see how they compare. Before you can perform this experiment, you’ll need to collect some rainwater samples.

Preparation is Simple

Once you’ve purchased your water testing kit and decided which science fair project you’ll be working on, preparation is simple. To prepare for the tests, you’ll need to gather your water samples. Each kit comes with vials for your samples – be sure to label the vials as you fill them. You may also want to collect additional samples in larger containers or zipper sandwich bags, so you have enough for the TDS test.  You can easily label the bags, and they are large enough to allow for the TDS meter.  For more stability (and less chance of spills), you can put the baggies inside mugs or cups.

Now It’s Time for Testing

Before you get started with the tests, now is a good time for you to make some visual observations. Take notes about how clear or cloudy your samples look.  Additionally, look to see if visible particles are floating in any of the samples.  These observations can be written in the “Notes” on the last page of the results notebook.

At this point, you are ready to perform the first test, which will use the TDS meter to test the total amount of dissolved solids.  The meter will not fit in the test vials, so it is easier to complete this part of the experiment with your samples in baggies or poured into a cup.

Performing the TDS test is simple, just turn on the meter and submerge the prongs in the samples. Afterward, rinse the meter with clean water between each test. Using the results notebook that was included with the kit, record your results.

Now you’re ready to get started with the rest of the tests. Each kit includes a testing strip with instructions. The strips allow you to test for a variety of contaminants.

• Alkalinity
• pH
• Hardness
• Chlorine
• Copper
• Nitrate
• Nitrite
• Iron

Remember, it’s easiest to work with one sample at a time because you don’t want to risk cross-contaminating anything.  Follow the instructions to complete all of the tests, and don’t forget to record your findings in the results notebook.

Displaying Your Science Fair Results

When you have completed each of the tests on your four samples, it’s time to look at your results.  Ask yourself the following questions and record your answers on the “Notes” page.

• Was there a significant difference in quality among the samples?
• Could you determine if there was a water sample that was unhealthy?
• Which sample would be the best for drinking water and why?
• What results did you find the most surprising?

Afterward, you can use clear tape to fix the test sticks to the color charts to display your results for your science fair project.  You may even want to create some graphs or charts from your results so you can highlight your conclusion.

As you can see, Test Assured’s 4 Test Kit Set for Schools and Science Fairs offers a lot of options for easy-to-complete science projects. Use one of our project ideas and gather up some water samples, and you’ll have quantifiable data to create a visual display of your results.

So, be sure to share your results and project ideas with us in the comments.

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Supplies

The first thing you need to do is gather your supplies:

• Test Assured 4 Test Kit Set with TDS Meter
• 4 cups
• 3 dirt samples
• Paper towels

Preparation

To prepare for the tests, you’ll need to make your dirty water samples.  Fill the first cup with plain tap water.  This will be the control that the other samples are measured against.  Put one dirt sample in each of the remaining cups.  Fill the cups halfway with tap water.  You need enough water that the dirt can be easily mixed into the water, but avoid filling the cup too much so you don’t splash dirty water everywhere.  Once each cup has been mixed, you’ll want to wait about a half hour for the dirt to settle to the bottom.

Now is a good time to label your vials and list the sources of your dirty water samples in the results notebook.

Testing

First, you will start with the test for total dissolved solids, using the TDS meter.  Because the meter will not fit in the test vials, it is easier to complete this part of the experiment while your samples are still in the cups.  To perform the TDS test, simply turn on the meter and submerge the prongs in the samples. Rinse the meter with clean water between each test. Record your results in the results notebook. Be sure to read the TDS meter carefully.  High readings will be noted with “x10.”

After completing the TDS test, you will need to pour your samples into the vials you labeled.  Do this over a sink and be sure to wipe up any spills, so you don’t contaminate the test strips.

Before you get started with the tests, now is a good time to make some visual observations. Take notes about how clear or cloudy your samples look.  Are there any visible particles floating in any of the samples?  These observations can be written in the “Notes” on the last page of the results notebook.

Now you’re ready to get started with the rest of the tests. It’s easiest to work with one sample at a time.  Follow these instructions to complete the remaining tests.

Alkalinity/pH/Hardness Test

1. Remove the test strip from the packet labeled, “ALK/pH/Hard”
2. Pick up the strip on the end with no pads
3. Dip the strip in the sample for one second and remove
4. Hold the test strip level and wait 10 seconds
5. Place the strip as shown in the picture and compare to the color chart for alkalinity, pH, and harness
6. Record your results in the results notebook

Total Chlorine/Copper/Nitrate/Nitrite Test

1. Remove the test strip from the packet labeled, “CL/CO/NA/NI”
2. Pick up the strip on the end with no pads
3. Dip the strip in the sample three times and remove – DO NOT SHAKE OFF EXCESS WATER
4. Hold the test strip level for 2 seconds
5. Place the strip as shown in the picture and compare to the color chart for chlorine and copper
6. Wait 45 seconds before reading the results for nitrate and nitrite
7. Record your results in the results notebook

Iron Test (Complete this test last)

1. Remove one iron reagent tablet from the foil packet and place in test vial (the reagent could alter the results of other tests which is why the iron test is completed last)
2. Place the cap on the test vial and shake for approximately one minute, until the tablet is completely dissolved
3. Remove the test strip from the packet labeled, “Iron Test”
4. Dip the strip in the sample for 2 seconds
5. Shake the strip once and wait 60 seconds
6. Place the strip as shown in the picture and compare to the color chart for iron
7. Record your results in the results notebook

Repeat all three tests for each of your samples.  When you are finished don’t forget to wash your hands with soap and water.

Results

Now that you have completed each of the tests on your four samples, it’s time to look at your results.  Ask yourself these questions:

• How did the control sample differ from the dirty water samples?
• Did any of the dirty water samples contain more contamination than the rest?
• What results did you find the most surprising?

Record your answers on the “Notes” page.  If you are doing a science project, create a graph to show your results.  You can also use clear tape to fix the test sticks to the color charts to display your results.

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With TestAssured’s 4 Test Kit Set for Schools and Science Fairs, you can test samples of toilet water and compare them to a control sample of regular tap water. This set includes 4 test kits and can be used by students in third through twelfth grade to perform school science experiments like this one.

Supplies

The first thing you need to do is gather your supplies:

• Test Assured 4 Test Kit Set with TD Meter
• Disposable plastic cups
• Paper towels

Preparation

To prepare for the tests, you’ll need to gather your water samples.  We used tap water for the control and two toilet water samples. We decided to test the toilet water before and after cleaning.  Here are the three samples you need to collect:

1. Tap water for your control
2. Toilet water before cleaning
3. Toilet water after cleaning

Children should be supervised while collecting toilet water samples.  We found that one of the easiest ways to collect toilet water samples was to dip a plastic cup into the water and insert it into another cup to catch any drips.  As an extra precaution, you may want to wear a pair of disposable gloves while conducting this experiment.  We typically do our water test experiments in the kitchen, but for sanitary reasons, we completed this test in the bathroom.

Now is a good time to label your vials and write your water sources in the results notebook.

Testing

The first test you want to start with is for total dissolved solids, using the TDS meter.  The meter will not fit in the test vials, so it is easier to complete this part of the experiment while your samples are still in the plastic cups.  To perform the TDS test, simply turn on the meter and submerge the prongs in the samples. Rinse the meter with clean water between each test. Record your results in the results notebook.  When you have finished the TDS testing, it is a good idea to dip the meter in some bleach water to sanitize it.

After completing the TDS test, you will need to pour your samples into the vials you labeled.  Do this over a sink and be sure to wipe up any spills, so you don’t contaminate the test strips.

Before you get started with the tests, now is a good time to make some visual observations. Take notes about how clear or cloudy your samples look.  Are there any visible particles floating in any of the samples?  These observations can be written in the “Notes” on the last page of the results notebook.

Now you’re ready to get started with the rest of the tests. It’s easiest to work with one sample at a time.  Follow these instructions to complete the remaining tests.

Alkalinity/pH/Hardness Test

1. Remove the test strip from the packet labeled, “ALK/pH/Hard”
2. Pick up the strip on the end with no pads
3. Dip the strip in the sample for one second and remove
4. Hold the test strip level and wait 10 seconds
5. Place the strip as shown in the picture and compare to the color chart for alkalinity, pH, and hardness
6. Record your results in the results notebook

Total Chlorine/Copper/Nitrate/Nitrite Test

1. Remove the test strip from the packet labeled, “CL/CO/NA/NI”
2. Pick up the strip on the end with no pads
3. Dip the strip in the sample three times and remove – DO NOT SHAKE OFF EXCESS WATER
4. Hold the test strip level for 2 seconds
5. Place the strip as shown in the picture and compare to the color chart for chlorine and copper
6. Wait 45 seconds before reading the results for nitrate and nitrite
7. Record your results in the results notebook

Iron Test (Complete this test last)

1. Remove one iron reagent tablet from the foil packet and place in test vial (the reagent could alter the results of other tests which is why the iron test is completed last)
2. Place the cap on the test vial and shake for approximately one minute, until the tablet is completely dissolved
3. Remove the test strip from the packet labeled, “Iron Test”
4. Dip the strip in the sample for 2 seconds
5. Shake the strip once and wait 60 seconds
6. Place the strip as shown in the picture and compare to the color chart for iron
7. Record your results in the results notebook

Repeat all three tests for each of your samples.  When you are finished don’t forget to wash your hands with soap and water.

Results

Now that you have completed each of the four tests on your three samples, it’s time to look at your results.  Ask yourself these questions:

• Was there a difference between the toilet water before and after it was cleaned?
• How did the toilet water samples compare to the tap water sample?
• Do you think it’s harmful for dogs to drink toilet water?
• What results did you find the most surprising?

Record your answers on the “Notes” page.  You can use clear tape to fix the test sticks to the color charts to display your results for your science fair project.

The post Find Out What’s in Your Toilet Water with This Easy Experiment appeared first on .

Supplies

The first thing you need to do is gather your supplies:

• Test Assured 4 Test Kit Set with TD Meter
• Tap water
• Filtered water
• Bleach
• Blender
• Paper towels

Preparation

Before you start testing, you’ll need to prepare your water samples.  For this experiment, you will create four samples:

1. ½ cup tap water for your control
2. ½ cup tap water with one drop of bleach
3. ½ cup tap water boiled for 1 minute and allowed to cool
4. ½ cup filtered water

Samples should be placed in a mug or glass to start the experiment.  You will be completing the TDS test before pouring samples into the vials.

NOTE: Children should be supervised when using the stove and bleach.

Testing

The first test you want to start with is for total dissolved solids, using the TDS meter.  The meter will not fit in the test vials, so it is easier to complete this part of the experiment before transferring your samples to the vials.  To perform the TDS test, simply turn on the meter and submerge the prongs in the samples. Rinse the meter with clean water and pat dry between each test. Record your results in the results notebook.

Read the TDS meter carefully.  When the composition of the water is drastically changed, it is not unusual to get an extremely high TDS reading.  You’ll notice in the picture that when we measured the total dissolved solids in the water with bleach, the reading was “113 x10.” The arrow is pointing to where you will see the “x10” if you have a high reading like ours.

After completing the TDS test, you will need to pour your samples into the vials you labeled.  Fill each vial to within a ¼” of the top.  Be sure to wipe up any spills, so you don’t contaminate the test strips.

Before you get started with the tests, now is a good time to make some visual observations. If any of the purification methods changed the appearance of a sample, make a note on the last page of the results notebook.

Now you’re ready to get started with the rest of the tests. Follow these instructions to complete the remaining tests.

Alkalinity/pH/Hardness Test

1. Remove the test strip from the packet labeled, “ALK/pH/Hard”
2. Pick up the strip on the end with no pads
3. Dip the strip in the sample for one second and remove
4. Hold the test strip level and wait 10 seconds
5. Place the strip as shown in the picture and compare to the color chart for alkalinity, pH, and hardness
6. Record your results in the results notebook

 Total Chlorine/Copper/Nitrate/Nitrite Test

1. Remove the test strip from the packet labeled, “CL/CO/NA/NI”
2. Pick up the strip on the end with no pads
3. Dip the strip in the sample three times and remove – DO NOT SHAKE OFF EXCESS WATER
4. Hold the test strip level for 2 seconds
5. Place the strip as shown in the picture and compare to the color chart for chlorine and copper
6. Wait 45 seconds before reading the results for nitrate and nitrite
7. Record your results in the results notebook

Iron Test (Complete this test last)

1. Remove one iron reagent tablet from the foil packet and place in test vial (the reagent could alter the results of other tests which is why the iron test is completed last)
2. Place the cap on the test vial and shake for approximately one minute, until the tablet is completely dissolved
3. Remove the test strip from the packet labeled, “Iron Test”
4. Dip the strip in the sample for 2 seconds
5. Shake the strip once and wait 60 seconds
6. Place the strip as shown in the picture and compare to the color chart for iron
7. Record your results in the results notebook

 Repeat all three tests for each of your samples.

Results

Now that you have completed each of the four tests on your samples, it’s time to look at your results.  Ask yourself these questions:

• Did any of the purification methods change the appearance of the samples?
• Which method altered the water composition most?
• Based on your results, what do you think is the best way to purify water in an emergency situation?
• What results did you find the most surprising?

Record your answers on the “Notes” page.  If you are using this as a science fair project, you can arrange the test sticks on a page to create a visual comparison of results from the different purification methods.

The post Which Home Water Purification Method Works Best? appeared first on .

Supplies

The first thing you need to do is gather your supplies:

• Test Assured 4 Test Kit Set with TD Meter
• 1 mug of hot water
• 3 empty mugs to prepare samples
• 1 tea bag
• Measuring cup
• Measuring spoon
• Milk
• Sugar
• Paper towels

 Preparation

To prepare for the tests, you’ll need to start with a 1 cup of hot water. Set aside ¼ cup of hot water for your control sample.  Place a tea bag in a mug with the rest of the water and allow to steep for five minutes. Remove the tea bag and divide the tea into three mugs, each containing ¼ cup of water.  Mix 1 teaspoon of milk into one mug of tea and 1 teaspoon of sugar into another.  You should now have four mugs with samples.

You may want to use tape to attach a label to each mug to identify your samples, so they do not get mixed up.  Don’t forget to label your vials too.

Testing

The first test you want to start with is for total dissolved solids, using the TDS meter.  The meter will not fit in the test vials, so it is easier to complete this part of the experiment while your samples are still in the mugs.  To perform the TDS test, simply turn on the meter and submerge the prongs in the samples. Rinse the meter with clean water between each test. Record your results in the results notebook.

Read the TDS meter carefully.  Because we are adding ingredients that change the composition of the tea, it is not unusual to get an extremely high TDS reading.  You’ll notice in the picture that when we measured the total dissolved solids in the tea with milk, the reading was “118 x10.” The arrow is pointing to where you will see the “x10” if you have a high reading like ours.

After completing the TDS test, you will need to pour your samples into the vials you labeled.  Fill each vial to within a ¼” of the top.  Be sure to wipe up any spills, so you don’t contaminate the test strips.

You may want to take a moment to write your visual observations in the “Notes” section of the results notebook.  Comments about how clear or cloudy your samples are may be helpful as you are analyzing the results.

Once you have your work area organized, its time to start the tests.  It’s best to work with one sample at a time to avoid contamination.  Follow these instructions to complete the remaining tests.

Alkalinity/pH/Hardness Test

1. Remove the test strip from the packet labeled, “ALK/pH/Hard”
2. Pick up the strip on the end with no pads
3. Dip the strip in the sample for one second and remove
4. Hold the test strip level and wait 10 seconds
5. Place the strip as shown in the picture and compare to the color chart for alkalinity, pH, and hardness
6. Record your results in the results notebook

Total Chlorine/Copper/Nitrate/Nitrite Test

1. Remove the test strip from the packet labeled, “CL/CO/NA/NI”
2. Pick up the strip on the end with no pads
3. Dip the strip in the sample three times and remove – DO NOT SHAKE OFF EXCESS WATER
4. Hold the test strip level for 2 seconds
5. Place the strip as shown in the picture and compare to the color chart for chlorine and copper
6. Wait 45 seconds before reading the results for nitrate and nitrite
7. Record your results in the results notebook

Iron Test (Complete this test last)

1. Remove one iron reagent tablet from the foil packet and place in test vial (the reagent could alter the results of other tests which is why the iron test is completed last)
2. Place the cap on the test vial and shake for approximately one minute, until the tablet is completely dissolved
3. Remove the test strip from the packet labeled, “Iron Test”
4. Dip the strip in the sample for 2 seconds
5. Shake the strip once and wait 60 seconds
6. Place the strip as shown in the picture and compare to the color chart for iron
7. Record your results in the results notebook

Repeat all three tests for each of your samples.

Results

Now that you have completed each of the four tests on your four samples, it’s time to look at your results.  Ask yourself these questions:

• Did adding a tea bag to the water have an impact compared to the control sample of plain water?
• How did adding sugar change the composition of your sample?
• How did adding milk change the composition of your sample?
• Which ingredient, sugar or milk, produced the most changes?
• Which sample contained the most dissolved solids?
• What results did you find the most surprising?

Record your answers on the “Notes” page.  If you are using this as a science fair project, you can use clear tape to fix the test sticks to the color charts to display your results.  You may also want to create a chart or graph of the data you recorded in the results notebook.

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