Science Fair Kits
Limited quantities are available each year. Click here for more information.
Things You Can Borrow for Free
The Tapwater Tour
The Tapwater Tour examines the chemical properties of water directly from the tap. Each student on the Tapwater Tour conducts his/her own water quality tests using safe, simple TestTab® reagent tablets. Students learn the relationships between good and poor water quality while examining the pH, chlorine, hardness, copper, and iron of water from the tap. Tablets and sample test bags for 35 students. (for grades 4-12)
The Pondwater Tour
The Pondwater Tour is a great introduction to the water quality of a lake, stream, pond, aquarium, or even a fish bowl. Each student on the Pondwater Tour conducts water quality tests for pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, and ammonia using safe, simple TesTabs® reagent tablets. Students test variables and investigate natural processes that create changes in water quality over time. Tablets and sample test bags for 30 students. (for grades 4-12)
The Watershed Tour
Introduce students to stream and river ecosystems through a classroom-based tour of a virtual watershed. Designed for teachers who are unable to visit a stream with their students. Students will learn about stream ecology, water quality issues, and their own connection to a watershed. Through a week long series of hands-on TesTab® tablet tests, games, and activities, students will “test” four stations along a river continuum – from the headwaters to the mouth of the river as it enters the estuary - to study how the river changes and how human activities can influence water quality. Includes lecture materials, illustrated handouts, teacher’s tips, test procedures, TesTab reagents, data sheets, and games. (for grades 4 – 12)
Funky Faucet Sink Science
Explore what’s coming out of your funky faucet! Test tap water for pH, chlorine, hardness, copper, and iron. Learn while you laugh with Just for Fun activities including Make Your Own Lava Lamp and edible experiments like the Pollution Parfait. Non-hazardous TesTab reagents, test tubes, word search game, internet connections and instructions for simple water quality tests also included. (for sink scientists ages 8 and up)
Urban Water Quality Test Kit
This kit provides a hands-on introduction to the basic concepts of water chemistry and environmental awareness in urban areas. All of the necessary equipment is included to test for the following test factors using non-hazardous Testab methods - Chlorine, Copper, Iron, Hardness, Nitrate, pH, Phosphates, and Temperature. Methods are suitable for testing drinking water, run-off, and street puddles. (for ages 8 and up)
Books, Curriculum and Activity Guides
Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide
This collection of over ninety, broad-based water resource activities was developed, field-tested, and reviewed by over 600 educators and resource managers working with 34,000 students nationwide. The Guide has been praised in education publications and has been characterized as "comprehensive and thorough background information for teachers" with activities that are "flexible and well designed...relevant and meaningful." These interdisciplinary activities designed are perfect for use in formal and non-formal education settings. (for grades K – 12)
Conserve Water Educator’s Guide
Water Conservation Activities and Case Studies. Watercourse. - In this useful resource, educators and students simulate management of water resources in a community. Engaging, field-tested activities are clearly presented and entirely self-contained. Case studies are thought provoking, challenging students to utilize multiple skills - gathering, organizing, charting, evaluating, and interpreting data to create a knowledge base for making decisions. Students gain the information and tools needed to become stewards of water resources, and ultimately informed leaders and decision makers within their own communities. (for grades 6 – 12)
Videos
Videos for grades K-2:
The Adventures of Ethel Mermaid and Tad Pole (American Water Works Association)
These five short (10-15 minute) videos cover several water topics in a fun fashion.
1. Hydrologic Cycle
2. From Source to Tap
3. Water Treatment
4. Source Protection
5. Fun Water Facts
Source Water Protection - This 5 minute video highlights the threat of pollution and shows why every community watershed needs a source water protection plan. (for grades 3 and up)
A Consumer's Guide to Water Conservation - This fun, informative new 13 minute video is perfect for a presentation on residential water conservation.
Your Own Back Yard: A Xeriscape Primer - This 53 minute video explains seven simple principles to help you create a lush landscape and conserve water.
Down the Drain - This 30 minute video produced by Children’s Television Workshop teaches kids about the water cycle, water pollution, and water treatment.
Earth Café: Drinking Water Treatment & Conservation - Laugh and learn with the 24 minute fun-filled and informative coverage in Earth Café: edible xeriscape, conservation, and lots more!
Earth Café: Source Water Contamination & Protection - Laugh and learn with the 24 minute fun-filled and informative coverage in Earth Cafe: wetlands, source water protection, and lots more!
Conserve Everyday - The Conserve Everyday 16 minute video demonstrates many techniques kids and other consumers can use for conserving water around the home.
Videos for grades 4 and above:
The Water Works - This fun-filled 12 minute video invites kids to join in a tour of a municipal water plant. The Water Works shows young viewers water science in a context they can really understand.
After the Storm - All across America people live, work and play in watersheds. Three case studies focus on the interconnections between water supply, water quality and the economic vitality and quality of life in our communities.