The International Year of Chemistry (IYC) is a global celebration of the study of chemistry, its achievements, and its critical role in meeting the challenges of modern times. Proposed by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) and approved by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), IYC 2011 offers the opportunity to share the love and fun of chemistry with the global community. “Chemistry—our life, our future” is the theme for the year.

To promote chemistry awareness around the world, IYC 2011 developed The Global Water Experiment. This experiment gives students a chance to study the planet’s most precious natural resource, water. On the IYC’s Web site, students can share their data with classes worldwide and see the compiled data displayed on world maps.

To get started, go to “The Global Water Experiment” online and register. The free registration allows you to share your class data and post comments and questions on the blog page. You will also find questions and answers posted by other teachers about each part of the experiment. Even if you choose not to register, you still have access to the experiments and to the posts submitted by other teachers.

Related Resources

Carolina™ Electronic Balances Aquarium/Terrarium

From “The Global Water Experiment” page, click on “The Experiments” tab. On the new Web page you will find descriptions for each part of the 4-part experiment. Each part is simple to perform, requires materials that you already have or can purchase locally, and uses nonhazardous chemicals. Teachers field-tested the procedures to ensure that you have a smooth experience.

Each part of the experiment deals with a different chemistry topic. See the list below.

• Experiment 1: Acidity. Students measure the pH of local water using acid-base indicator solutions.
• Experiment 2: Salinity. Students measure the conductivity of water and correlate their results to the salinity of the water.
• Experiment 3: Filtration. Students construct a sample water filtration apparatus, treat water chemically, and research the water treatment methods used by their local wastewater treatment facility.
• Experiment 4: Solar Still Challenge. Students build a solar still and use it to purify water.

Under each part’s description is a link, “Read more,” which takes you to the main page for that part. At the bottom of that Web page is the option “Download the Activity.” You can download the activity as a PDF or Word document. It is available in 10 languages. The file includes instructions for submitting your class’s data, teacher instructions for the activity, procedure, safety precautions, materials list, student learning outcomes, extensions, and background information. Carolina offers materials to support The Global Water Experiment.

Experiment Number	Experiment Name	Item	Carolina Item Description	Carolina Item Number	Price
1	pH of the Planet	Sample Container	Specimen Cup and Cap, Pack of 25	199248	$6.10
1	pH of the Planet	Dropper	Graduated, Small Pipet, Pack of 100	736984	$5.10
1	pH of the Planet	Bromothymol Blue Indicator	Bromthymol Blue Solution, 0.04 %, 500 mL	849165	$5.95
2	Salty Waters	Shallow Dish (100 mL capacity)	Carolina™ Culture Dish, 3.5" Diam	741002	$7.50
2	Salty Waters	Balance with 0.1 g Sensitivity	Carolina™ Electronic Balance, 0.1 g Sensitivity	702011	$141.00
2	Salty Waters	Graduated Cylinder, 100 mL	Durable Plastic Graduated Cylinder, 100 mL	721613	$1.80
3	Water: No Dirt, No Germs	Beaker, 500 mL	Polypropylene Beaker with Handle, 500 mL	721443	$6.65
3	Water: No Dirt, No Germs	Alum	Aluminum Potassium Sulfate, Dodecahydrate	843360	$8.75
3	Water: No Dirt, No Germs	Fine Sand, Coarse Sand, Pebbles	White Sand and Gravel Set, 10 lb Each	163000	$17.95
3	Water: No Dirt, No Germs	Coffee Filter	Cheesecloth, 5 sq yd	712690	$5.65
3	Water: No Dirt, No Germs	Stopwatch	Stopwatch	962106	$9.95
4	Solar Still Challenge	Large Bowl, Metal or Plastic	Plastic Aquarium, 1-gal Tank	670391	$7.50
4	Solar Still Challenge	Small Cup	Specimen Cup and Cap, Pack of 25	199248	$6.10
4	Solar Still Challenge	Measuring Jug or Cylinder	Durable Plastic Graduated Cylinder, 100 mL	721613	$1.80
4	Solar Still Challenge	Food Dye	Food Coloring, 4 Colors	898030	$5.25
4	Solar Still Challenge	Salt	Sodium Chloride, 500 g	888880	$6.50

If you want to participate in The Global Water Experiment, you still have time. The International Year of Chemistry and The Global Water Experiment end December 31. Start now and share your results and your passion for chemistry with the world!