Water

"Water water every where/Nor any drop to drink." It's a great line from The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, but not such a great thing in the real world. Check out these project ideas for some inspiration on how to help keep your local waterways clean and safe.

• Survey your local beach and document the types of trash found there.
• Research the effects of common trash items on sea life and water quality.
• Create signs at beaches to warn patrons of the danger of their trash items.
• Paint trash receptacles with prominent symbols and place in convenient areas.

If you’re into hydration

• Research plants that can survive on little water or help to retain water in the soil.
• Monitor and compare various plant and soil combinations.
• Create a rain garden – a garden that needs little watering and holds water in the soil.
• Harvest rain water through barrel collection and use it for the garden.

• Monitor the biodiversity of plant and animal species in a local salt marsh.
• If possible, compare your findings to historical data.
• Contact regulatory agencies to determine a restoration or native replanting strategy.

If you love stormy weather

• Research where storm water run-off goes and what impact it may have.
• Paint signs on all drains in your neighborhood telling people where their trash is being washed.

If you love playing with test tubes

• Test various characteristics such as the pH, dissolved oxygen, chloride, and temperature of a fresh or saltwater source, or rain or ground water.
• Compare to similar samples that have been heated or have had common pollutants added to them.
• Graph your results along with information about the needs of fish and other sea life and report findings to appropriate local authorities.

Want some more ideas?

Check out our Animal Project Ideas, Habitat Projects and Projects in Community Education.