Lesson Plan

What’s in the Water?

Grade Level:
Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
Subject:
Math,Science
Lesson Duration:
60 Minutes
State Standards:
Kentucky

3-LS4-4.  Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem caused when the environment changes and the types of plants and animals that live there may change.
5-ESS3-1.
3-5-ETS1-1.

Essential Question

In what ways do humans impact water in an ecosystem? What can be done to protect the water in an ecosystem?

Objective

Students will be able to determine effects people have on the water in the environment and how to protect this necessary natural resource.

Background

Below are resources teachers may want to preview to learn more about water quality and conservation.  

https://eec.ky.gov/Environmental-Protection/Water/Reports/Reports/KentuckysWaterHealthGuide.pdf 

https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-11/documents/2005_09_14_faq_fs_homewatertesting.pdf 

Preparation

Materials: 

Art supplies for posters (assessment) 

Lesson Hook/Preview

Show the students two clear glasses of water. What if you were told that only one of them was safe to drink? How would you know which one was safe for drinking? 

Procedure

After discussing the glasses of water, show the interactive water cycle poster on the USGS website. https://water.usgs.gov/edu/watercycle-kids-int.html 

Discuss how the water in the oceans, streams, lakes and rivers is the same water that comes from the sky as precipitation. Discuss how the water in the lakes, rivers, and streams is the same water that comes to our houses for drinking, showering, etc. Ask the following question - What problems could arise with drinking water during the water cycle?  

After a brief discussion, show the water quality poster found on the USGS website. https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/water-quality-water-education-poster 

Look for potential problems with water quality. How could these problems be eliminated? How do we know if the water we are drinking is safe and clean?   

Discuss water testing practices. Teachers could contact local extension offices or water departments to demonstrate water testing practices to students. 

What can we do to ensure the water on Earth is protected? Discuss ways to protect the water supply. 

If taking a field trip to the Knob Creek site for a water testing field trip, prepare your students for what will take place at the park. 

Vocabulary

  • Pollution 
  • Conservation 
  • Quality  

Assessment Materials

Poster Design

Students will create posters to illustrate the importance of water conservation and/or how to prevent water pollution.

Related Lessons or Education Materials

Meets Kentucky 3rd-5th grade science standards. This lesson was created by Kentucky teachers as a part of the History and Science Explore Project.

Contact Information

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Last updated: July 29, 2024