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Saltwater Science

Activity

How Water Moves in Oceans

Mix a cup of water with a few spoonfuls of salt to make your own “ocean water.” Drop different objects into your saltwater and then into a cup of fresh water; like a grape, a small plastic cap, or a paperclip. What floats? What sinks? Does anything float better in the saltwater than the fresh water?

Science Seed

Ocean water is salty, while most lakes, rivers, and the tap water we drink are fresh water. Saltwater has higher density than freshwater, which means it can help things float better than they do in freshwater. That is one reason why it is easier to float when you are swimming in the ocean than in a pool! Salt in the ocean comes from rocks and soil that slowly dissolve in water and wash into rivers that lead to the sea. Studying how saltwater works helps scientists understand ocean currents, animal habitats, and even the climate!

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earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

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join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.