The total amount of water on Earth is not increasing, but the volume of liquid filling the ocean basins is growing, raising the sea levels and increasing the amount of fresh water that flows into the oceans. An important part of understanding sea level rise is understanding the thermal expansion of water: it accounts for about half of the global sea level rise measured. Students will build a model using everyday objects to demonstrate that water expands when thermal energy is added.
| Students profile/age of the student: | 9+ years old |
| Materials needed: | Per group of 2-3 students: – 1 disposable water plastic bottle, with a flip-tod lid, if available; – small bottles made with thicker (Sturdier plastic are preferred); – 1 clear plastic straw; food coloring; ruler; cutting tool; dark felt-tip pen; thermomether; – several low-temperature hot-glue guns, putty or other malleable sealant; – paper or cloth towels; safety goggles; – heat sources (such as incandescent bulbs, heat lamps, heat pads or the sun) |
| Skills and competencies to be developed | critical thinking; content knowledge; teamwork; listening skills; manual skills; observation skills; recognising the cause-effect connection |
Water resources copy