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Water

Elementary, Middle

Description

This comprehensive unit on water is organized by subject area. Each subject area then takes a multidisciplinary approach to a specific water theme. Together these activities build understanding that water is essential to all life.

Descriptions of the Activities:

  • Introduction- Water

Students read a passage that describes water as a natural resource and its role in metabolism and photosynthesis.  Water's properties as a solid, gas and liquid are introduced along with the topics of ocean salinity and water pollution.

Science Activity 1 - Salt Water vs. Fresh Water

Students conduct two simple density/buoyancy experiments, and answer reflective questions.  They then research and draw the Plimsoll Mark and conduct two experiments to compare the freezing, melting, and boiling point of salt vs. fresh water.  Students will read a short passage about Ph levels and carry out experiments to classify salt and fresh water according to Ph.  The unit concludes with a simple corrosion experiment to introduce Acid Rain.

Science  Activity 2- Living With Polar Bears

Students read about the Polar Bear's habitat and complete an independent research and writing exercise on the factors effecting Polar Bear populations.   Students then investigate causes and effects of climate change, make predictions about future impacts and discuss ways they can help by using less energy.  The culminating activity is a board game in which students review what they have learned about polar bears and climate change.

  • Social Studies Activity 3- Mapping our Water

Students examine graphs and calculate percentages relating to the amount and distribution of fresh water.  They use maps to investigate the location and availability of the earth's water resources.   A study of the importance of Canada's surface waters, groundwater aquifers and wetlands as providers of fresh water is also included.

Social Studies Activity 4 - Drought

This unit explores how human activity impacts on the earth's ability to provide.  Students examine a case study about the Dust Bowl Drought, research the farming practices that contributed to the situation and explore causes and effects of human migration.   As a culminating activity, students act on what they have learned by designing an ideal town with particular attention being paid to meeting demands on water.

  • Language Arts  Activity 5 - What You Learned

Students complete both short and long answer quizzes and  prepare a class presentation on one of themes explored in the four activities.

Supplementary materials and links intended to extend and value student learning experience are included in the Water - Wild Ideas Section.

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General Assessment

Themes Addressed

Relevant Curriculum Units