The Science of Water, the Most Amazing Liquid!

This 14-week course will provide an engaging foundation to elementary science by focusing on the amazing science of water. The class will begin by covering the characteristics of mass and volume and the practical aspects of measurement.  A running theme throughout the course will be the physical and chemical properties of water.  We will measure the density of water and compare this to other liquids. The density of objects relative to water and how that relates to if the objects sink or float will be examined. The importance of water as a universal solvent for many solids to dissolve into and make solutions will be addressed, as will its importance in chemical reactions. The course will cover the states of matter, phase transitions, and the significance of thermal energy in these transitions. In addition, students will learn about the force of surface tension and how this force can be used to cause motion. The ability of water to be absorbed by certain materials and its ability to overcome gravity and climb up paper and trees will be examined in siphoning and chromatography. In addition, the presence of water on our planet and in the solar system will be covered. Along the way, students will be exposed to the scientific method, the metric system, fun activities, STEM projects, and inquiry-based science. The live classes will include interesting demonstrations. 

Week 1  Introduction Water Science, Mass and Volume
Week 2  Balances and Graduated Cylinders, Bubbles
Week 3  Density of Liquids, Salt Water and Hydrometers 
Week 4  Solubility, Sugar Water, Concentration 
Week 5  Salt and Fresh, 100 ml of Liquid, Sink or Float
Week 6  Density, Cartesian Divers, Dancing Popcorn
Week 7  Phases of Matter, Salt Melting Ice
Week 8  Solids and Liquids, Slimes
Week 9  Gases, Evaporation of Water
Week 10  Clouds and Condensation, Paper Towels
Week 11  The Hydrosphere, Oceans, Diapers
Week 11  Water in the Solar System, Wax Paper Science
Week 12  Hydrothermal Vents, Tides, Surface Tension
Week 13  Chromatography and Siphoning
Week 14  Air Pressure, Barometers, Culmination, Final work due

Assignments: Students will be expected to complete activities, readings, or experiments.

Materials/Supplies: Students will need a notebook for notes, activities, and assignments. In addition, they will need to purchase or order a small number of easily-obtainable materials. They will also need to purchase a printable water science workbook packet from www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Dr-Daves-Science.

Prerequisites: None

Live Classes: Wednesdays, 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time, from January 20th to April 21st