Evaporation Experiment - Cover to Conserve

Find out if evaporation can be reduced by covering a body of water with a practical evaporation experiment.

Covering to Conserve Water! Matter Changes Investigation Activity
Get ready to engage your students like never before with a whole new investigation activity to use when teaching about matter and how it changes. This year, we’re excited to help you liven up your lessons with an engaging, practical investigation activity where your students will explore how using a cover can help prevent evaporation and promote the conservation of matter.

Does covering a water source prevent evaporation?
This engaging science experiment encourages students to investigate how Aboriginal people in Australia used to cover their water sources in the hope of conserving them and whether these attempts were successful. To complete this activity, students are introduced to the topic through the following scenario:

Heating a liquid can cause it to evaporate and turn into a gas. For water, this process is called evaporation. Aboriginal people in Australia were aware of this and would cover their wells and water holes in an attempt to conserve their water supply. Does it actually work? Let’s find out!

To complete the experiment, students will:

Complete the Test Design and Hypothesis sections of the Experiment Worksheet.

Fill each container with one cup of water. Record the exact measurement in the Results section.
Place the paper over one of the containers so that it is covered.
Place both containers in direct sunlight. For best results, choose a location that is sunny for an extended period of time.
Record the time in the Results section.
Check the containers again after a period of time, such as one hour.
Record the volumes of the containers and how long they were observed. Make additional observations throughout the day.
This download includes an instruction manual, planning documents, and reflection opportunities for students to complete after their observations.