Share your scientific love of Water

Water is often seen as simple.   In reality, it’s anything but. This substance, essential to all life on Earth, carries within it layers of complexity that go far beyond the familiar H₂O formula.

Here’s what makes water truly extraordinary:

Molecular Variety: Water is typically described as H₂O, a molecule consisting of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom. But this doesn’t tell the whole story. Water molecules can contain different types of hydrogen—protium, deuterium, and tritium—each adding unique properties. These variations, like “heavy water” (D₂O), have significant scientific and industrial uses, from studying molecular structures to powering nuclear reactors.

Water’s Different Forms: Water isn’t just a liquid we drink. It exists in various forms within nature and industry. Water of Constitution is locked within chemical compounds; Water of Crystallization is embedded in crystals, and Physiologically Linked Water is crucial for the function of living cells.  All these forms reveal how deeply water is woven into the fabric of both the natural world and human technology.

Water’s Purity’s Paradox: Pure water, free from any dissolved substances, might seem ideal, but it’s actually hazardous to drink. It aggressively seeks to dissolve anything it contacts, which, inside the human body, means leaching essential minerals from cells, leading to dangerous imbalances. This paradox underscores water’s powerful chemical nature, constantly interacting and changing its surroundings.

Water as a Universal Solvent: Water’s ability to dissolve more substances than any other liquid is why it’s often called the “universal solvent.” This property is vital for life, as it allows nutrients, minerals, and gases to be transported within organisms and ecosystems. Yet, it also means that water is easily polluted, carrying harmful substances that disrupt this delicate balance.

Only by understanding the complexities of water will we ever gain the deep appreciation and respect needed for its vital role in the ecosystem of our blue planet.

Our message about water needs to resonate with everyone, as it only takes a few people to ruin it for all. Water is an integral part of life on Earth that needs our protection.

Human activities that pollute water or disrupt its natural cycles are not just harming a resource—they’re endangering the very fabric of life on Earth.

“Be the Planet Guard you are—hold on as we spin round the same sun star.
Nothing’s perfect here, but with water’s health, we can still go far.”

Introducing the World of Water Exhibitions

Be part of our endeavor to showcase water’s uniqueness using captivating artifacts, mind-bubbling experiments, and some scientific marvels. Combine your water-related artifacts with ours and make your personal splash in the world of physics and chemistry.

Your support and contributions to our charity’s Water Exhibitions could play a pivotal role in our education programme to inspire and engage national and international visitors  alike.

Here are some suggestions of exhibits that you may be able to find, create, share, lend or gift to our charity:

The WOW 100, being 100 physical items, artifacts, and exhibits that could be combined in our exhibition focused on the Chemistry and Physics of Water:

Water’s Chemical Properties:
Molecular models of water (H2O)
Interactive display of water’s chemical formula
Periodic table highlighting the significance of hydrogen and oxygen
Bottles of heavy water (deuterium oxide) for comparison
Historical diagrams illustrating the molecular structure of water

Water’s Molecular Structure:
Large-scale models depicting water molecules
3D animations showing the arrangement of water molecules
Interactive touchscreen displaying water’s molecular structure
A series of magnified images of water molecules
Infographics explaining the polarity of water molecules

Experiments on Water’s Physical Properties:
Hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials for comparison
Surface tension demonstrations with water and other liquids
Ice formation experiments with various types of water
Water’s boiling and freezing point experiments
Density experiments with hot and cold water

Water and Temperature:
Displays illustrating the concept of specific heat capacity
Temperature probes and charts showing water’s unique heat properties
Thermal conductivity experiments with different liquids
Thermodynamics models explaining water’s phase transitions
Historic equipment used for temperature-related studies on water

Water’s States of Matter:
A range of samples demonstrating the three states of water (solid, liquid, gas)
Interactive displays on the water cycle
Comparative studies on the density of ice and liquid water
Videos showing water’s phase changes in extreme conditions
Historical photographs of water in different states

Pressure and Water:
Demonstrations of water’s behavior under pressure
Pressure chamber with water experiments
Water jets and pressure systems to show hydraulic principles
Models illustrating water pressure at different depths in the ocean
Historic pressure vessels and apparatus

Water’s Solvent Properties:
Displays of various substances dissolving in water
Examples of solutions, suspensions, and colloids
Interactive experiments showing solubility differences
Historic containers used for mixing and dissolving substances in water
Case studies on water purification processes

Water and pH:
pH testing kits and samples of water at different pH levels
Experiments demonstrating water’s role in maintaining pH balance
Interactive pH scale with real-time pH measurements
Case studies on the impact of pH on aquatic ecosystems
Historical pH measurement devices

Water’s Surface Tension and Capillary Action:
Demonstrations of capillary action using various materials
Interactive exhibits showing water striders and their ability to “walk” on water
Capillary tubes and equipment for surface tension experiments
Videos of insects using water’s surface tension to their advantage
Historic experiments on capillary action

Water and Adhesion/Cohesion:
Exhibits illustrating water’s adhesion to different surfaces
Experiments showcasing cohesion through water droplets
Displays on how water’s cohesive properties support life in plants
Models explaining the formation of menisci in narrow tubes
Historic instruments used to study adhesion and cohesion

Water’s Viscosity:
Viscosity comparison between water and other liquids
Interactive displays allowing visitors to adjust water’s viscosity
Videos showing how viscosity affects fluid dynamics
Historic viscometers and instruments used to measure water’s viscosity
Experiments on the impact of temperature on water’s viscosity

Water and Density:
Density columns illustrating the density of various liquids
Interactive displays allowing visitors to create their own density columns
Videos showing density stratification in natural water bodies
Historic density measurement devices
Exhibits on the concept of buoyancy and water’s role in it

Water and Refraction:
Displays demonstrating the bending of light in water
Interactive experiments on water’s refractive index
Videos illustrating the underwater world and optical illusions
Historic lenses and optical devices related to water refraction
Experiments on the impact of temperature on water’s refractive properties

Water’s Electrical Properties:
Electrolysis experiments splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen
Exhibits explaining water’s role as an electrical conductor
Interactive displays on the conductivity of different types of water
Historic electrical equipment used in water-related experiments
Case studies on water purification through electrolysis

Water and Magnetic Properties:
Exhibits demonstrating water’s interaction with magnets
Experiments showcasing the magnetization of water
Displays explaining the impact of magnetic fields on water
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine mock-up
Historic experiments on water’s response to magnets

Water and Sound:
Interactive sound wave experiments in water
Videos showing underwater acoustics and marine life communication
Displays illustrating the speed of sound in water vs. air
Historic instruments used to study water’s acoustic properties
Case studies on the role of water in sound transmission

Water and Optics:
Optical experiments using water prisms and lenses
Displays explaining water’s role in optical illusions
Interactive displays on the dispersion of light in water
Historic optical devices related to water experiments
Case studies on the use of water in optical technologies

Water and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):
MRI machine and components for educational purposes
Explanatory displays on the principles of MRI
Interactive MRI simulations with water as the subject
Videos showing real MRI scans and their medical applications
Historic advancements in MRI technology

Historical Water-Related Scientific Instruments:
A collection of antique scientific instruments used in water-related studies
Historical laboratory setups and apparatus for water experiments
Manuscripts and journals documenting early water research
Portraits and biographies of notable scientists in water science
Models and replicas of early water analysis devices

Water in Everyday Life (x-ref /e5)
Household items related to water use (e.g., faucets, showerheads)
Water filtration systems and purification methods for homes
Interactive displays on water-saving technologies and practices
Educational games and puzzles highlighting water’s role in daily life
Informational panels on responsible water consumption and conservation

Our charity’s approach is simple yet profound:

To inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to understand and appreciate water’s significance in every facet of our lives, from the molecular level to its influence on global politics.

Through a blend of interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, immersive displays, and educational programs, our exhibitions aim to foster a deep sense of water stewardship and create lasting awareness about the importance of clean water for all life on Earth.

Share with us your vision for a sustainable and water-conscious future.

If you have any items that you think may support our charity’s exhibition and schools outreach programmes, please check out our aquisitions policy and our use-of-collections then make contact.

And if you would like to volunteer, contribute a podcast, or add your support in another way, please read more at:

Donation-Sponsor-Partnership

and check out our Volunteering-policy