California Project WET Gazette
Summer 2024
Citius, Altius, Fortius
Athletes from around the world will be convening in Paris, France this summer to compete at the Olympic games under the motto, “Citius, Altius, Fortius,” which translates to “Faster, Higher, Stronger.” This is also an apt motto for studying the amazing properties of water in the Project WET activity, “H2Olympics.
“H2Olympics” is an activity that has been used at summer camps and summer school programs around the country for decades, as well as in classrooms during the school year. The activity engages students in five events where they can observe the water properties of adhesion, the ability of water molecules to stick to other substances and cohesion, the ability of water molecules to stick to each other. You can find details about the activity in the Project WET Guide 2.0, page 13, or the Foundations of Water Education guide, page 13.
Water is such a simple molecule. Just two atoms of hydrogen and one of oxygen make up the dihydrogen monoxide molecule or H2O. The two hydrogen atoms attach to the oxygen in a manner that resembles the head of the Disney character Mickey Mouse, giving the molecule a slightly positive charge around the hydrogen mouse ears and a slightly negative charge near the mouse chin on the other side. Together, they form a molecular property known as polarity.
Water is a “sticky” liquid due to the polar nature of its molecules. The positive hydrogen part of a water molecule will glom onto the negative oxygen of nearby water molecules like a weak magnet, forming what is known as a hydrogen bond. It is this ability that allows water molecules to stick to each other to form water drops and to stick to other substances, like rain drops on a window or drops of dew on a spider web.
Students may or may not have this knowledge of water as they begin the “H2Olympics.” If they don’t, the activities become a fun voyage of discovery as they observe, analyze, and construct explanations for how the water behaves in each of the events. It’s also a perfect complement to the Project WET activity “Hangin’ Together” (Project WET Guide 2.0, p: 19), which explores and elaborates on the polar nature of water.
Playing the Water Olympic Games
The line up of events in the “H2Olympics” includes a boat race where students propel their craft by using soap to break the surface tension of water behind the boat to see who can move their boat the fastest and farthest. Soap breaks the bonds of the water molecules behind the boats, as the adhesive tug of molecules in the front pulls the boat forward in the pan.
The boat race is often the hardest event for students to create an explanation for. A great analogy to help students visualize what is happening would be a tug of war. The rope is the boat and the people pulling on each side are the water molecules. If several people on one end let go – representing the addition of soap – the rope or the boat in this case – is pulled toward the opposite side.
With the penny plunge event, students compete to see who can place the most pennies into an already full cup of water before it overflows. In the process, they observe the cohesive and adhesive strength of water molecules and see who can raise the water level the highest above the rim of a cup before the overflow occurs. The bubble buster event is similar, with students seeing who can place the most drops of water on a penny before the water overflows.
The balancing event has students vying to see who can float the most paper clips on the surface of a cup. In the process, they observe the strength of water’s surface tension from the bonding of the water molecules. This event always fascinates me the most. The all-time record I’ve observed in my time using the activity was a Ukiah high school student who placed 37 paper clips on the water before the surface tension broke!
The final event is the climbing wall, where students cut strips of two brands of paper towels and see which will absorb the most water from a cup. In the process, students observe how far the water can climb up against gravity in each paper strip. The smaller the pore size of the paper in each strip, the easier it is for the water to climb against the force of gravity as it adheres to the pore material as the cohesive pull draws up other water molecules. This process is known as capillary action.
Understanding Water’s Adhesive & Cohesive Nature
Why is it important for students to study and understand the polar nature of water molecules and specifically the properties of cohesion and adhesion? To begin with, the same positive and negative forces that cause water to be attracted to itself cause it to adhere to other substances and that’s the reason water flows on Earth – and over the rim of the cup and off the penny. It is these properties that allow water to erode and shape the very landscape of the watersheds we all live in.
The cohesion between water molecules that creates surface tension as observed in the balancing event is vital to the survival of many aquatic organisms, including insects like water striders that live on the surface of water. There would be no more lazy summer days watching striders and other insects skittering and hopping about on a lazy creek, or leaves floating along like a dream until swirled by the occasional eddy in the water.
The ability of water molecules to stick to each other and adhere to other surfaces is what allowed early plants to evolve into the gravity-defying structures many have become, including California’s iconic coast redwoods, giant sequoias and pines. As water vaporizes from evapotranspiration in the leaves, the combined force of adhesion and cohesion allow plants to pull up water up from the roots in a continuous column with vacuum pressures that would vaporize nearly any other fluid.
These same water properties also help stabilize the blood and prevent it from fragmenting in the veins and arteries of animals like us. The cohesion of the water molecules helps blood flow while transporting nutrients and oxygen throughout our own bodies. The cohesive forces also help regulate blood viscosity – how thick or thin it is – which affects the ability of the blood to carry nutrients and the amount of strain or resistance on our blood vessels and heart in pumping blood through the body.
The ability of water molecules to stick to each other and other molecules is vital in biological processes such as photosynthesis in plants and algae, and thousands of chemical reactions that keep us and all other organisms on Earth alive.
We can also see evidence of these water properties at work all around us. I used to challenge my students to point out examples on a walk after doing the “H2Olympics.” Among the things they would point out included: raindrops or dew sticking to windows, spider webs, grass, or leaves; evidence of water erosion; flowing water; insects, leaves or other material suspended on the surface of water; the discoloration of soil or other material indicating it is absorbing water and clouds.
“H2Olympics” is a fun activity and I hope you’ll give it a try – with students or without – as a side celebration of the actual Olympic events. Be sure to try the warm-up event flowing water across a string from one cup to another in defiance of gravity. I should also note the Olympic motto was modified in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and is even more relevant to an activity looking at the “stickiness” of water molecule. The new motto is “Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together.”
I would also encourage anyone without plans yet to consider attending one of the summer workshop or teacher institutes listed in the Professional Development Opportunities section of this Gazette. There are also a variety of Websites of Interest to pair with the activities in the article, and a list of upcoming Summer Events and Grant Opportunities to help support your work in the next school year.
Hope you have a great summer!
WEBSITES OF INTEREST
Olympics: The Ancient Olympic Games
Full of blood, passion and extraordinary feats of athletic endeavor, the Olympic Games were the sporting, social and cultural highlight of the Ancient Greek calendar for almost 12 centuries. The threat of invasion or not, the Games took place every four years from 776 BC to at least 393 AD.
U.S. Geological Survey: Adhesion and Cohesion of Water
Adhesion and cohesion are important water properties that affects how water works everywhere, from plant leaves to your own body. Just remember… Cohesion: Water is attracted to water, and Adhesion: Water is attracted to other substances.
U.S. Geological Survey: Surface Tension and Water
Cohesive forces between liquid molecules are responsible for the phenomenon known as surface tension. Surface tension in water might be good at performing tricks, such as being able to float a paper clip on its surface, but surface tension performs many more duties that are vitally important to the environment and people.
U.S. Geological Survey: Capillary Action and Water
Plants and trees couldn’t thrive without capillary action. Capillary action helps bring water up into the roots. With the help of adhesion and cohesion, water can work its way all the way up to the branches and leaves.
U.S. Geological Survey: Water Meniscus
A meniscus is a curve in the surface of a molecular substance – like water – when it touches another material. Adhesion is responsible for the meniscus.
Kids Fun Science: How can you pour water down a string?
How can you pour water down a string? In this experiment adhesion attracts the water to the string and cohesion keeps the water flowing in a steady stream. For those feeling adventurous, watch Dr. Boyd the Chemist show you how you can make water run along a piece of string – and attempt it over 20 feet!
Physics Girl: 7 Science Tricks with Surface Tension
Surface tension holds the surface molecules of liquids tightly together and makes for some fun experiments!
Veritasium: How Trees Bend the Laws of Physics
Trees create immense negative pressures of 10’s of atmospheres by evaporating water from nanoscale pores, sucking water up 100 meters in a state where it should be boiling but can’t because the xylem tubes contain no air bubbles, just so that most of it can evaporate in the process of absorbing a couple molecules of carbon dioxide!
Behind the News: What Happens to Water in Space?
What happens to water in space? Instead of spilling everywhere, it holds together in these little globs. Why does this happen? The reason why the water clumps together in little shapes has to do with something called surface tension.
Paris je t’aime: The 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games
Held in France from 26 July to 8 September 2024, the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games will welcome thousands of international athletes and many more spectators. Discover all the practical information you need to prepare your stay and enjoy the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Special Olympics: History of the Special Olympics
From a backyard summer camp for people with intellectual disabilities to a global movement, Special Olympics has been changing lives and attitudes since 1968. Special Olympics is a global movement of people creating a new world of inclusion and community, where every single person is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability or disability.
California Department of Water Resources: Education
We provide a variety of resources to K-12 educators to encourage water education in and out of the classroom. Our free supplementary materials can be used to help learn about California’s water resources. Check out our ‘Water Wednesdays’ You Tube page for conversations with DWR researchers on a range of water topics.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
California Project WET Workshop – Coachella Valley, June 27
This workshop will provide K-12 formal and informal educators with an abundance of tools and hands-on activities to share our water message as well as deliver California’s history/social science standards through an environmental lens. Workshop participants will learn how to utilize Project WET activities to engage students and enliven current curriculum with the new Foundations of Water Education guide.
California Water Institutes for Teachers
These multi-day professional development experiences for K-12 teachers focus on the water infrastructure and supply that serve the local area of each institute, while providing teachers with greater depth of knowledge and tools to engage students in learning about their local watersheds and development of their environmental literacy about the places where they live and recreate. Participants will also receive Project WET training, be able to earn credit through CSU Chico and a $400 stipend. Registration is still open for institutes in Sacramento and Solano Counties!
Environmental Educator Certification Program (EECP)
The EECP is an 11-month program in which environmental educators demonstrate their competency in environmental education to engage and teach, expand their professional networks, and better understand the full spectrum of environmental education careers available. EECP is conducted online over Zoom. Advance your career and get certified as an environmental educator! Applications for the 2024-2025 program are open now! (deadline June 30)
California Environmental Education Interagency Network (CEEIN)
This is a consortium of environmental educators representing state departments and partner organizations. Educators can find a variety of workshops and other participatory opportunities on our online events calendar to increase their environmental literacy on California natural resource topics and issues.
Climate Change & California Water – Fremont, Oct. 5
This specialized Project WET workshop provides an opportunity for educators to interact with climate experts for a day of learning about the basics of weather and climate science, how the science is being applied to safeguard California water resources – and how Project WET activities can help integrate climate science concepts and skills back in the classroom.
California Project Learning Tree Workshops
Project Learning Tree uses trees and forests as windows on the world to increase students’ understanding of the environment and actions they can take to conserve it. Trainings are offered to schools, teachers, parents, students and other non-profit organizations for outdoor environmental education programs.
SUMMER EVENTS
Jul. 6: California Free Fishing Day
Have you ever felt the excitement of watching your bobber suddenly jiggle, then dive out of sight? The California Department of Fish & Wildlife offers two Free Fishing Days each year. On these days, you can fish without a sport fishing license. Free Fishing Days provide a great, low-cost way to give fishing a try.
Aug. 9: Smokey Bear’s Birthday
Smokey Bear turns 80 this year! Across the country activities are being planned from guest appearances at local events, to a Facebook live stream from the California State Fair in July. The celebration continues through the fall with the Smokey appearing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and at the lighting of the US Capital Christmas Tree.
Aug. 25: National Park Service Birthday
The National Park Service was created on August 25, 1916 to “preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.” Come join our birthday celebration with an entrance fee free day on August 25!
Aug.31: California Free Fishing Day
Here is another opportunity to fish without a sport fishing license. Some regions offer a Fishing in the City program and free fishing day clinics designed to educate novice anglers about fishing ethics, fish habits, effective methods for catching fish, fishing tackle and where you can go fishing in the middle of major metropolitan areas. You can even learn how to clean and prepare your catch so you can enjoy it for dinner that night.
September: National Preparedness Month
National Preparedness Month is an annual observance to raise public awareness about preparing for disasters and emergencies — man-made or natural — that could affect them, their homes, communities, or businesses. This month aims to reduce the fallout of large-scale emergencies by preparing every citizen, young and old.
Sept. 7 – 15: California Biodiversity Week
What makes California so special? California has the nation’s highest peaks and lowest desert valleys, vast coastlines with submarine gardens, and more plants and animals than any other US state – thus biodiversity is at the core of California’s remarkable nature!
Sept. 21: California Coastal Cleanup Day
Join the fight to help clean the beach by picking up litter in your community. Trash travels through storm drains, creeks, and rivers to become beach and ocean pollution. Cleaning your neighborhoods, local parks, streets, and storm drains helps protect our coast. Plan to spend a day outside connecting with your community to celebrate California!
Sept. 27 – 29: California Agriculture in the Classroom Conference
Join us in Orange County for an invaluable opportunity to collaborate with educators who share your passion for agriculture! The conference is designed for K-12 educators, administrators and volunteers to learn and share how to incorporate food and fiber into all curricular areas! Registration is $365 and will increase to $385 after August 16th.
Sept. 28: National Public Lands Day
Join us for the 30th annual National Public Lands Day - the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event for public lands! Established in 1994 and held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, the celebration brings out thousands of volunteers to help restore and improve public lands around the country.
Sept. 28: Free Entrance Days in the National Parks
NPLD is also a “Fee-Free Day”—one of only five days a year when entrance fees are waived at national parks and other public lands. Help care for your national parks by volunteering during a one-time event or on a reoccurring basis. It’s never too late to start planning!
Nov. 8 – 10: California Science Education Conference
Join us in shaping the future of science education as we gather to ignite curiosity, inspire discovery, and illuminate minds this November. Take advantage of low registration fees before July 1, 2024. CASE members receive even a bigger discount, so make sure to join or renew your membership – and get ready to be inspired in Sacramento!
SCHOOL GRANTS & OPPORTUNITIES
The Forestry Challenge is an academic event for high school students in technical forestry and current forestry topics. Participants spend four days in the forest learning about the ecology and management of the forested landscapes that provide communities with water, recreational opportunities, wood products, and wildlife habitat. Fall 2024 Pre-registration – Now Open!
Philanthropic Ventures Foundation Teacher Grants
Teachers come up with good ideas all the time, but don’t have the resources to fund them or the time to pursue arduous funding requirements. That’s why we launched Teacher Resource Grants. These small but critically needed grants for teachers help to address inequalities in public education and build future generations of strong leaders. Grants available while funding lasts!
Why salad bars? Supporting Research shows that incorporating salad bars into school lunches increases children’s consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. SB2S is committed to helping schools make this positive change. We donate salad bars to schools so that every child across our nation has daily access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Available while funding lasts!
Through the “Let’s Go!” Field Trip Fund, the Environmental Volunteers provides affordable, easy-to-schedule, efficient and safe transportation for low-income youth (K-12) in the San Francisco Bay Area (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, or Sonoma) that facilitates access to science and environmental education field trips. Available while funding Lasts!
Karma for Cara Microgrant Program: Due July 1
Students 18 years of age and under may apply for funds between $250 and $1,000 to complete service projects in their communities throughout the United States. Whether you plan to turn a vacant lot into a community garden, rebuild a school playground or help senior citizens ready their homes for the winter, we want to hear what project you’re passionate about!
Walmart Community Grant Program: Due July 15
Our local community grants are awarded through an open application process and provide funding directly from Walmart and Sam’s Club facilities to local organizations in the U.S, including K-12 public, nonprofit private schools, and charter schools, community/junior colleges, state/private colleges; or a church or other faith-based organization with a proposed project that benefits the community.
Toshiba America Foundation 6-12 Grant: Due Sept. 1
Do you teach in a middle and high school classroom and have an innovative idea for improving STEM (Science, technology, engineering and math) learning in your classroom with measurable outcomes? Sixth to 12th grade teachers are invited to apply on-line for a Toshiba America Foundation grant of up to $5,000 to help bring an innovative project into their own classroom.
Toshiba America Foundation Grades K – 5 Grant: Due Oct. 1
Do you have an innovative idea for improving science, technology, engineering and math learning in your classroom? What do you need to make learning math and science fun for your students? K-5 grade teachers are invited to apply on-line for a $1,000 Toshiba America Foundation grant to help bring an innovative hands-on project into their own classroom.
CREDITS
California Project WET Gazette is published by the Water Education Foundation, which serves as the state coordinator and host institution for Project WET USA, a program of the Project WET Foundation.
This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Geological Survey under Cooperative Agreement # G23AC00673. The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Geological Survey. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Editor: Brian Brown, California Project WET Coordinator
Water Education Foundation
2151 River Plaza Drive, Suite 205
Sacramento CA 95833
916.444.6240
www.watereducation.org
