Water Cycle in a Test Tube

Summary

Students will model the water cycle in a test tube. They will also learn how water is purified.

Materials

• ring stands
• test tube clamp
• 2 large test tubes
• stoppers
• glass and vinyl tubing
• bucket
• alcohol burner
• goggles
• large beaker
• student sheet (attached)

Student Prior Knowledge

Students should have a basic understanding of the water cycle.

Instructional Procedures

1. Prepare a mixture of dirty water in a large bucket. Some possible things to add include, sand, clay, detergent, food particles etc.
2. You may want to make an overhead of the lab set up to help them
3. Supervise as they set up their labs.
4. When you light their burners remind them to heat slowly, if their boil becomes to large the water will move through their plastic piping instead of evaporating and then condensing.
5. Make sure that students wear their goggles throughout the lab
6. Monitor students closely

Extensions

Use a voltmeter to determine the cleanliness of water. Pure water will not conduct a current.

Assessment Plan

Scoring Guide:

Students participated in lab and cleanup................15 points
Questions were correctly answered..............20 points
Conclusions represent ideas discussed in the Lab..............20 points

Bibliography

Lesson Design by Jordan School District Teachers and Staff.