Science turns the taps on in drought-hit areas

Tap in arid region with hand outstretched waiting for a drop of water

Source: © Getty Images

Changes in the state of matter offer a solution to making potable water in arid regions

Scientists have observed water spontaneously condensing and moving across the surface of an organic crystal that is slowly subliming. This finding could pave the way for a new approach to collecting drinking water from the air in arid regions. Explore this new research context with secondary school students as a real-world context for studying states of matter. Plus, download the story and a summary slide for learners aged 14–16.

Thanks for using Education in Chemistry. You can view one Education in Chemistry article per month as a visitor. 

A photograph of a teacher standing in a white lab coat, speaking with a class of children in a laboratory, is superimposed on a colourful background. Text reads "Teach Chemistry means support for classroom and staff room".

Register for Teach Chemistry for free, unlimited access

Registration is open to all teachers and technicians at secondary schools, colleges and teacher training institutions in the UK and Ireland.

Get all this, plus much more:

  • unlimited access to resources, core practical videos and Education in Chemistry articles
  • teacher well-being toolkit, personal development resources and online assessments
  • applications for funding to support your lessons

Already a Teach Chemistry member? Sign in now.

Not eligible for Teach Chemistry? Sign up for a personal account instead, or you can also access all our resources with Royal Society of Chemistry membership.