50 ideas to teach students about Water Science

Ben Newsome CF Author

Teach water science with these easy-to-implement ideas in your classroom.

Below are 50 lesson ideas that will help form a vibrant teaching sequence that kids will love!

1. Water Cycle in a Bag
   Teach students about the water cycle by having them create their own miniature version in a ziplock bag.
   
   
2. Water Filtration System
   Have students design, build, and test their own water filtration system using various materials.
   
   
3. Build a Water Wheel
   Students can learn about hydropower by building a water wheel.
   
   
4. Model of a Watershed
   Create a 3D model of a watershed with clay and observe how water moves in it.
   
   
5. Create a Rain Gauge
   Students can make and decorate their own rain gauges and then collect and measure rainfall.
   
   
6. Ocean Layers in a Jar
   Demonstrate the layers of the ocean using coloured water, oil, and syrup.
   
   
7. Make a Water Xylophone
   Demonstrate how the level of water in a glass affects the pitch of sound.
   
   
8. Evaporation Art
   Use watercolours to create art and then observe the evaporation process.
   
   
9. Water Cycle Rap or Song
   Have students write and perform a rap or song about the water cycle.
   
   
10. Research the Importance of Water Conservation
    Students can research and present about water conservation and its importance.
    
    
11. Design a Water-Saving Device
    This could be anything from a water-efficient showerhead to a new kind of irrigation system.
    
    
12. DIY Cloud in a Bottle
    Demonstrate how clouds form using a plastic bottle, water, and matches.
    
    
13. Water Footprint Calculator
    Students calculate their own water footprint and discuss ways to reduce it.
    
    
14. Water-Themed Podcast
    Students can create a podcast episode on a chosen water science topic.
    
    
15. Aquatic Animal Research
    Research and present about aquatic animals and their adaptations to living in water.
    
    
16. Animation of Water Cycle
    Students use digital tools to create an animated story of a water molecule's journey.
    
    
17. Boat Building Challenge
    Using various materials, students design and build a boat that can float and carry a certain weight.
    
    
18. Frozen Bubbles Experiment
    Conduct an experiment to see how bubbles behave in cold weather.
    
    
19. Water Cycle Bracelets
    Students create bracelets representing each stage of the water cycle.
    
    
20. Saltwater vs. Freshwater Density
    Experiment with objects in saltwater and freshwater to learn about density.
    
    
21. Research Great Water Bodies
    Assign students to research different oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers around the world.
    
    
22. Study Local Water Sources
    Visit a local river, lake or reservoir and learn about its ecosystem.
    
    
23. Acid Rain Study
    Experiment with "acid rain" (vinegar) on plants and discuss its effects.
    
    
24. Draw a Water Safety Poster
    Have students design posters promoting water safety.
    
    
25. Make a Water-Themed Board Game
    Students can design a board game around water conservation or the water cycle.
    
    
26. Underwater Volcanoes Study
    Explore the science of underwater volcanoes and how they shape the ocean floor.
    
    
27. Experiment with Surface Tension
    Students can observe surface tension with a simple penny and dropper experiment.
    
    
28. Create a Water Cycle Mobile
    Use art supplies to create a visual representation of the water cycle that can be hung up.
    
    
29. Study the Impact of Oil Spills
    Simulate an oil spill and research its impact on aquatic life.
    
    
30. Build a Hydroponic Garden
    Show students how plants can grow without soil, using water rich in nutrients.
    
    
31. Ice Melting Race
    Study the effect of salt on the melting rate of ice.
    
    
32. Water-Themed Comic Strip
    Have students draw a comic strip about the water cycle or water conservation.
    
    
33. Make Your Own Aquifer
    Model how an aquifer works using a clear plastic container and various materials.
    
    
34. Investigate Water Pollutants
    Learn about different types of water pollutants and their effects on the environment.
    
    
35. Create a Raincloud in a Jar
    Experiment to demonstrate how clouds hold and release water.
    
    
36. Water-Themed Short Story or Poem
    Write and illustrate a short story or poem about a water-related topic.
    
    
37. Investigate How Water Powers Machines
    Learn about and model how water is used in power plants to generate electricity.
    
    
38. Create a Water-Themed Crossword or Word Search
    Build vocabulary and knowledge about water science in a fun way.
    
    
39. Experiment with Capillary Action
    Investigate capillary action with a simple paper towel and coloured water experiment.
    
    
40. Build a Model of a Water Treatment Plant
    Students use recycled materials to construct a model of a water treatment plant.
    
    
41. Investigate the Properties of Snow
    Look at snowflakes under a microscope, measure snow density, or calculate the water content of snow.
    
    
42. Create a Water-Themed Diorama
    Depict a water-based ecosystem or the water cycle in a shoebox.
    
    
43. Floating Egg Experiment
    Explore density by making an egg float in saltwater.
    
    
44. Build a Water Clock
    Learn about ancient methods of telling time by building a water clock.
    
    
45. Create a Stop-Motion Animation about Water Conservation
    Using clay or other materials, students can create a short film.
    
    
46. Water Usage Survey
    Survey family and friends about their water usage habits and present the findings.
    
    
47. Explore Water Erosion
    Use sugar cubes and a spray bottle to demonstrate how water can erode solid materials.
    
    
48. Experiment with Water Absorption
    Test different materials to see how much water they can absorb.
    
    
49. Water-Themed Field Trip: Visit a local water treatment plant, dam, or marine science centre.
    
    
50. Make a Water Rap
    Rap about water in a fun way!

Want more?

• Check out our comprehensive Water Science Teaching Unit!
  
• Have a Water science visit to your school!

Happy teaching,

Ben Newsome CF FRSA

Categories: : Environment