Objectives: Students will learn how to test tap water for the presence of iron, pH level of purity, copper, chlorine and hardness.
Unit proceeds for several weeks
Materials:
(table available in print form)
Procedures/Activities:
1. pH - Prepare samples #1) baking soda #2) vinegar #3) aspirin. Fill a bag to line “C.” Close bag and shake each. Compare the color reaction to the color chart.
2. Chlorine - Prepare sample #1 - (5mL) of chlorine bleach with 3 teaspoons of water. Use 10 drops of this diluted bleach for sample #2. Fill a bag to line “C” with samples #1 and #2. Compare the 2 tests. Then test the tap water sample.
3. Iron - Prepare samples #1 and #2. Add one iron LR tablet to 3 teaspoons of distilled water and swirl to dissolve the coating. Use the uncoated tablet in 1 quart of distilled water. Mix for 30 seconds. Pour into an empty container. Measure 1/2 cup of sample #1. Pour into a clean, empty quart container with distilled water. Compare the two tests. Chart the results.
4. Copper - Fill a bag to line “C.” Add copper HR tablet. Close the bag and shake. Compare the reaction to the color chart. Record the copper concentration on the data sheet.
5. Hardness - Fill a bag to line “A” with tap water. Add “T” tablet; close the bag and shake. Compare the color with the color chart and record results on the data sheet. Add 1 drop of soap to each bag and shake. Keep adding soap until you get bubbles. Test your soap before doing the experiment.
Assignments/Evaluations:
1. pH - Have students tell why we test pH levels. Compare well water with city water etc. Define vocabulary. Study pipe diagram. Explain.
2. Chlorine - Students should determine why chlorine is added to city water. Why is too much, bad? Could different concentrations kill algae or visible bacteria? Do the scramble game.
3. Iron - Students analyze data sheet. Answer questions.
4. Copper - Students should be able to tell why copper can be harmful. Do the Word Search.
5. Hardness - Do the bubble test. Tell why the ring in the bathtub exists. Answer: Where else would you use more soap, if you had hard water? Do the bubblegram game.
Vocabulary List
Acid
Carbon Dioxide (CO )
Distilled
Magnesium
Algae
Chlorine
Evaporation
Monitoring
Bacteria
Corrosion
Hard Water
pH
Base
Disinfect
Indicator
Scale
Calcium
Water Conditioners