(photo courtesy of charity: water ©Scott Harrison)

My kids have been fascinated by water since American Idol (on AI Gives Back) demonstrated quite vividly the dirty water people throughout the world drink. “Ew, gross!!!! People drink that?”

The concept that clean drinking water isn’t really free even though it may feel that way in the United States is hard for them to wrap their heads around. “People pay for water? But water is free.”

They’ve read Magic School Bus At the Waterworks and seen MSB Wet all Over. I’m planning on doing a water filter experiment with them to introduce filtration. We’ve also explained that we pay water bills so someone else can clean our water for us.

I tried to sneak in some theory about hidden costs, but I think that went over their heads. However, the next time it comes up (clean air perhaps?), I’ll be able to use the water as an example. Thanks American Idol for that teachable moment!

Tags: Science, Environmental Science, Clean Water

After my kids took soda showers during a Diet Coke and Mentos demonstration at VBS, we have been all about explosions of the wet and sticky kind. If you’re going to try this at home, I recommend Steve Spangler Geyser Tube for maximum effect, swimsuits and Mythbusters explanation of reasons for reaction.

Tags: Science