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Looking at water, you might think that it's the most simple thing around. Pure water is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. But it's not at all simple and plain and it is vital for all life on Earth. Where there is water there is life, and where water is scarce, life has to struggle or just "throw in the towel."

So what is it about water that makes it so important to us? And what is it about water that makes it water? This section of Water Science for Schools explores the physical and chemical properties of water and why water is so critical to living things.

May I suggest you begin by taking the True/False quiz on water properties? Or pick a topic from the dripping pipe below (text options are provided below the picture).

Water-basics topics available (also at page bottom) The properties of water Common water measurements Capillary action Water in YOU Take a water properties true false quiz
Water properties Common water measurements Capillary action Water in you True/False quiz
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Last Modified: May 28, 2003 		Glossary of water terms.
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