Science for Homeschoolers

Science is an important subject for children to learn, and sometimes it can be helpful when they can roll up their sleeves to really experience the subjects that are being taught. Our water testing experiments are a great way to make science fun and easier to understand. These projects not only help to reinforce the topic of scientific method but also why it is so important to take care of the earth’s natural resources.

The best part about these science experiments is that you can do them anytime, and they require very little equipment. All you need is our 4 Pack School & Experiment Kit or the Classroom Kit With TDS Meter and some water samples. You can choose from one of the projects listed here or others on our blog, or let your imagination be your guide and come up with your own hypothesis to test.

Hands-On Science Projects Helps Kids Learn

Not only do kids relate better to hands-on learning, but studies show that it can help stimulate brain growth. This is because when kids are able to put what they learn into practice, they gain a better understanding of the concepts. It also helps them develop their problem-solving skills and improve their critical thinking abilities.

Science is more than just the study of facts. It is also about engaging with the world around us, testing ideas and explanations. Much of the scientific theory that is taught today is based on what was learned from science experiments. Water testing science projects promote scientific thinking and problem-solving. They give children a chance to ask questions, create hypotheses, and test theories to better understand the world around them.

A Science Experiment for Kids: 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, forcing you to make a water filter with supplies you have on hand. 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? In this experiment, we chose a few homemade water filters that were suggested online to see which one did the best job at filtering dirty water.

For this science project, testing homemade water filters, all you need is a School and Science Fair Test Kit from TestAssured, 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. Click here to see instructions for the full experiment.

Fun Fall Science Project with Leaves

With cooler temperatures and fall on the horizon, this science experiment celebrates fall. As the seasons change, we find ourselves admiring the brightly colored leaves, so we decided to see how different leaves would impact our water samples. Our hypothesis was that different leaves would have different chemical and mineral qualities that would change the composition of the water. While this was true for some of the tests, one test, in particular, had some pretty surprising results.

To prepare for this test, head outside and gather some leaves or even some grass. Two of the leaves we chose were still fresh and green, but we did find a nice, pretty yellow leaf. With the help of the internet, we were able to identify our leaves as Oak, Southern Catalpa, and Magnolia. In addition to your leaves, you will also need a School and Science Fair Test Kit from TestAssured, which has all the tools and equipment that you will need to perform the water tests. More details for our leaf experiment can be found here.

Fishy Water Science Project

I think the part kids enjoy most about this project is getting to pick out which fishy water they’re going to test. We took a trip to our local pet store and asked if we could take a few samples from their fish tanks for an experiment. They were very helpful and explained some of the differences we might find in the water samples. Originally, we had planned to test water from different fish but ended up with samples from a variety of species. Our twelve-year-old picked out samples from Black Mussel Snails, African Dwarf Frogs, and Red Zebra Cichlids. Once you have your water samples, the only other equipment you need is a water testing kit from TestAssured. Then you will have everything you need for an easy science experiment that your kids will enjoy. Click here full the full experiment.

Does Movement in Water Affect Its Composition?

Movement is an essential part of a healthy body of water. In large bodies of water, this is caused by gravity and can be seen as a tide or current. Smaller bodies of water can be moved by the wind or plant and animal life. Even your tap water is moved mechanically from its source to the faucet. If movement is beneficial for water, can additional movement improve your water? We decided to test this theory using our water testing kit.

This science project involves testing tap water samples that have been moved in a blender for different amounts of time. This is an excellent science fair experiment that can be performed at different settings, for different times, to produce a variety of results. You can find all the details to perform this experiment here.

Put Science to the Test

These are just a few examples of educational science projects you can incorporate into your homeschooling plan. Science experiments are a great way to test the skills and knowledge your children are learning. They also give kids an opportunity to exercise their curiosity. Projects like these are a great way for students to apply what they are learning to real-world concerns.

Testing code for colors. This is an example of white text. While white is nice, it is not readable. Testing code for colors. This is an example of white text. While white is nice, it is not readable. Testing code for colors. This is an example of white text. While white is nice, it is not readable. Testing code for colors. This is an example of white text. While white is nice, it is not readable. Testing code for colors. This is an example of white text. While white is nice, it is not readable. Testing code for colors. This is an example of white text. While white is nice, it is not readable. Testing code for colors. This is an example of white text. While white is nice, it is not readable.

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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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Private Water Statistics

As a well owner, you are accountable for making sure that your drinking water is safe.  Many of the pollutants found in well water are colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making them hard to detect.  Contaminants that occur naturally in the soil can seep into the water that supplies your well.  Chemicals and fertilizers that are used in areas surrounding a well can also easily pollute the water.  Here are some surprising statistics about private water from the Center for Disease Control.

Maintaining Your Well

In the past, requirements for wells were not as strict, so older wells are more susceptible to contamination. Newer wells are now required to include features such as grout seals, sanitary well caps, and extended casings to help protect against pollutants.  Despite these extra precautions, new wells are still at risk for deterioration and should be inspected regularly to check for damage.

No matter how old your well is, part of responsible well ownership is performing regular maintenance.  This will help to ensure that your well is operating properly and that the quality of your water has not been compromised. Regular well inspections for mechanical problems, cleanliness, and the presence of contaminants, will not only protect your water but it will also prolong the life of your well system.

Testing Well Water

You should test well water at least once a year.  If you have a shallow well, less than 100 feet deep, it is recommended that you test at least twice a year. However, you may want to test more often if you have gastrointestinal issues or notice a change in odor, taste, or appearance of your water.

TestAssured makes a kit that is specifically designed to test well water.  The Well Water Testing Kit includes eight tests for a complete water analysis.  You’ll be able to identify the presence of chemicals, metals, and even bacteria like E. coli.

The tests are easy to perform, and you will have results within 10 minutes, with the exception of the bacteria test which must develop for 48 hours.  Everything you need to perform the tests comes with the kit.  There are no chemicals to mix and no samples to send to a lab.

Chlorine, Copper, Nitrates, and Nitrates

The first test you’ll perform with the TestAssured kit is for chlorine, copper, nitrates, and nitrates.  Simply fill the large vial almost to the top with the water from your tap. Remove the test strip labeled CL/CO/NA/NI and swirl it in the water three times, then hold it level for two seconds.  Align the strip with the corresponding color-coded chart to read your results.

Alkalinity, pH, and Hardness

Using the same water sample, the next test in the kit allows you to test well water for alkalinity, pH, and hardness. Take the strip marked AKL/pH/Hard and dip it in the vial for one second. Hold the strip level for ten seconds and then place it on the chart to read the color-coded results.

Iron Test

With the same sample, you can also test well water for iron.  Add the iron reagent tablet to the vial, secure the cap, and shake until the tablet has completely dissolved.  Dip the iron test strip into the vial for two seconds.  Remove the strip and shake once to remove excess water.  Wait 60 seconds and place on the color chart for results.

Bacteria Test

You will need another sample from your tap to test well water for bacteria.  Unwrap the remaining sample vial and stand it upright on a level surface. Carefully twist off the cap without spilling the bacterial growth powder it contains. Fill the vial to the 5ml line, about a ½ inch below the top.  Secure the cap and shake the sample for 20 seconds.  Place the vial upright in a warm area (between 70-90°F) where it will not be disturbed. Wait 48 hours and then check the color of the liquid which indicates the results.

Test Results

Each test is calibrated to the EPA standards.  Once you have your results, compare them to the EPA recommendations and guidelines for water quality. If you have any concerns about the safety of your water, contact your local health department immediately.

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What Is Hard Water?

When people talk about water quality, one of the factors that is often mentioned is hardness.  As water travels through the ground, it picks up small amounts of sediment from soil and rocks.  Two of the most common minerals that easily dissolve to form hard water are calcium and magnesium.  These are the minerals that are responsible for the hardness of water.  The higher the content of calcium and magnesium, the harder the water.

The hardness of your water often depends on your location.  Between 75-85% of Americans have hard water in their homes.  Homes in the central United States have some of the hardest water.  Coastal states have some of the softest water. Water hardness is measured in grains per gallon (GPG).

Hard Water Causes Film and Soap Scum

Typically, you cannot tell if your water is hard by looking at it or smelling it.  However, you may notice that it interferes with your daily cleaning.  The minerals in hard water affect how soaps and detergents work, making it harder to clean dishes, clothes, sinks, tubs, and even your hair.

When soap mixes with hard water, it makes the water softer by removing the minerals from the water. This mixture creates a film that is hard to remove.  It also reduces the suds created by the soap, making it less effective.  Dishes cleaned with hard water dry to a dull or spotty finish.  Sinks and tubs often have a hard-to-remove film making them look dirty.  Cloths lose their brightness and softness.  Hair feels sticky or greasy after washing.

Costly Effects of Hard Water

Hard water can also affect your pipes, faucets, and appliances.  As the calcium and magnesium accumulate, they can leave an unsightly crust around fixtures.  This buildup can clog pipes, reducing water flow and eventually requiring pipes to be replaced.  Over time, hard water also causes costly damage to water-using appliances.

Testing for Hard Water

If your water comes from a public source, you can contact your water company and request the results of their water tests to find out hardness levels. For those who have private wells, you may wish to contact your local health department for information about testing.   If they do not have a testing laboratory, they should be able to direct you to a facility that tests water samples for private citizens. Most comprehensive water test results include the level of hardness of your water.

It is also possible to perform an at-home test to determine the hardness of your water.  This is an inexpensive option that can provide results in a matter of minutes. TestAssured offers a hard water test kit that is easy to use and will show you the hardness level of your water from 0 grains up to 24 grains.  All you have to do is dip the test strip into your water sample for one second.  Let the strip develop for 10 seconds and then place it on the results color chart to determine the hardness level.

Is Hard Water a Health Hazard?

Although there are many contaminants that make water unsafe to drink, calcium and magnesium do not pose any known health risks.  In fact, there are people who feel that these minerals offer certain health benefits because the additional calcium and magnesium are part of a healthy diet.  There are even some studies that show a link between drinking hard water and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

How to Treat Hard Water

Although hard water does not pose a health risk, it is often considered a nuisance.  There are a number of ways you can treat your water to make it softer.  This will increase the lifespan of your water-using appliances and the plumbing in your home.

Many people opt to use chemical-based water softeners to control water hardness. There are two different kinds of softeners, precipitating and non-precipitating.  Precipitating water softeners use washing soda and borax, while non-precipitating water softeners are made up of complex phosphates.  As water moves into the softener tank, the calcium and magnesium ions are removed through a process called ion exchange. This leaves behind water with a slightly higher salt content, but minus the calcium and magnesium.

If you don’t want to invest in a water softener, but you don’t like the taste of hard water, an inexpensive solution is a water filter.  You can improve the taste of hard water with a filtration pitcher or a faucet water filter.  Both are available in an assortment of styles and sizes with different filters and features.  Basic models start around $20 and will filter out the hard water minerals as well as chlorine and other contaminants.

Determining If You have Hard Water

Hard water is not dangerous to drink, but it can be a costly nuisance.  The hardness of your water will vary depending on your water source and where you live.  TestAssured’s Water Hardness Test strips are a simple and affordable way to find out just how hard your water is.

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Water from Natural Aquifers

Well water comes from natural aquifers that store water underground.  There is almost 30 percent more water stored underground than in all streams, lakes, and rivers combined.  This plentiful source of water can be accessed by drilling deep into the ground through the bedrock layer.  The amount of water available depends on the depth of the well and the size and shape of the aquifer.  In order for the aquifer to be replenished, it must continually absorb precipitation that filters through the soil and down into the bedrock.  It is possible for a well to run dry when more water is used than can be absorbed back into the aquifer.  When this happens, it may be possible to drill further down to reach another aquifer or a new well may need to be drilled in another location.

Well Construction

A properly constructed and maintained well can reduce the risk of contaminated water. The location of the well should encourage rainwater to flow away from it. This prevents pools of water from seeping through the soil and picking up pollutants that may ruin the quality of the water.

There are three common types of wells built for drinking water.  Dug wells are 10 to 30 feet deep holes dug in the ground and lined with bricks or other materials for structural support. Because they are so shallow, these wells have the highest contamination risk. Driven wells are mechanically hammered into the ground and pull water from the water-saturated zone. Although slightly deeper than a dug well at depths up to 50 feet, they sill have a moderate risk of contamination. Drilled wells can reach anywhere from 100 to 400 feet and use metal or plastic casings to protect the water. While drilled wells have the lowest risk of contamination, no well can be guaranteed to always provide safe water.

Sources of Contamination

Groundwater can become contaminated from a number of sources, both above ground and below the surface.  Heavy rains, melting snow, and flooding can carry with it harmful organisms and particulate.  A well that is too close to the surface can become contaminated with microorganisms.  Depending on the local area, groundwater may contain copper, nitrates, nitrites, and other contaminants.

Many of the pollutants that are cause for concern can easily go undetected. They are colorless, odorless, and tasteless.  Contaminated well water can cause a variety of health symptoms including gastrointestinal issues, fever, nausea, and long-term illness.  High levels of minerals and alkaline can cause scaling and damage to pipes, fixtures, and water-using appliances.

Older wells are at a greater risk for contamination from surface water because past requirements were not as strict.  Newer wells are built to include better protection from pollutants with such features as sanitary well caps, grout seals, and extended casings.  Despite the improved design, even new wells deteriorate and should be regularly assessed for damage.

Testing Your Well Water

The EPA is responsible for protecting public water supplies, but there are no regulations that govern private wells.  As a well owner, it is your responsibility to make sure that your drinking water is safe.

There are many options for testing well water to assure that it is safe to drink.  Private companies can collect samples, or you can mail samples to a lab for analysis.  This can be costly depending on the number of times a year you need to test, and it may take up to several weeks for results.  Another alternative is to first test with a home testing kit and follow up with laboratory tests for more specific analysis if the initial tests reveal a cause for concern. The TestAssured Well Water Test Kit is perfect for homeowners who rely on groundwater and well water for their drinking and irrigation needs.  The kit includes everything you need to test for chlorine, copper, nitrates, nitrites, iron, alkalinity, pH, hardness, and bacteria.

How Often Should You Test Your Well Water?

If your drinking water comes from a private well, the CDC recommends that you should perform water quality tests at least once a year.  If you have a shallow well that is less than 100 feet deep, it is good practice to test more often. Additional testing is recommended after excessive flooding or disturbances to the soil near your well.  Tests should also be performed any time a neighboring well has tested positive for contamination.  A change in taste, color, and smell are also an indication that the water should be tested.

Be sure to compare your test results to the EPA recommendations and guidelines for water quality limits.  If you are concerned about contamination levels revealed by the tests, further testing may be necessary. Consult your local health department for advice.

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We decided to see how effective this was by conducting a simple experiment.  We used  Test Assured’s 4 Test Kit Set for Schools and Science Fairs to test water samples that had been collected after flushing the pipes for varying amounts of time.  This test set includes 4 test kits and can be used by children in grades three through twelve to perform water tests that can be used for school science experiments.

Supplies

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

• Test Assured 4 Test Kit Set with TD Meter
• Tap water
• 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 collected immediately after faucet is turned on – this is the control sample
2. ½ cup tap water collected after faucet has been flushed for 1 minute
3. ½ cup tap water collected after faucet has been flushed for 3 minutes
4. ½ cup tap water collected after faucet has been flushed for 5 minutes

Collect your samples in a mug or glass and set aside to complete the TDS test before pouring samples into the vials.

Feel free allow the water to run for any length of time.  You can even use a second testing kit to test more samples.  No matter how long you let the water run, don’t forget to label your vials and write down the corresponding sample information 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 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.

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. You may notice that some of the samples are cloudy or contain particles.  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. 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. Next, 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. Next, 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 flushing the pipes change the appearance of any of the samples?
• Did flushing the pipes affect the test results for any of the samples?
• Was there an optimal time to flush the pipes that improved water quality?
• Based on your results, do you think flushing pipes is an effective way to make water safer to drink?
• 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.

The post Flushing Pipes – Does it Work? A Simple Science 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
• 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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