Learning to Give, Curriculum Division of The LEAGUE
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Purpose:
Learners will identify the uses of water and understand its importance to our world.
Duration:
One 30 Minute Class Period
Objectives:
The learner will:
- identify uses of water.
- state why water is essential to our world.
- illustrate their favorite use of water
- taste water.
- understand that it is the civic responsibility of everyone to conserve water.
Service Experience:
Learners’ art work will be displayed with the caption “If there was not enough water, I would not be able to ……” for peers and visitors to view. This will spark interest and thought around the idea of potentially not having enough water to do the things they love.
Materials:
- Attachment One, Lesson One. One copy for each as homework. Be sure to have the assignments back in time for Lesson Four.
- Book: The Drop In My Drink: The Story of Water On Our Plant
- Chart paper/markers or Classroom Chalkboard
- Student Drawing paper
- Crayons, markers and colored pencils
- Cut out letters for display caption.
Instructional Procedure(s):
Anticipatory Set:
Ask learners the following questions: “Who has ever seen water before and where?” “What does water look like?” “What does water feel like?” “What do you use water for?” “Who or What needs water?” “How do we get water?” Be prepared to elaborate on questions or ask them in a different manner depending upon the prior knowledge of your learners.
- Read the book A Drop Around the World (see bibliographic reference)
- Ask learners: “What is your favorite use of water?” The teacher should record learners’ answers. Learners should also be asked “What would happen if there was not enough water?” and “Would you be able to do your favorite water activity?”
- Tell the learners that there is only a limited supply of water on the Earth. Ask: Does anyone know what the word conserve means? (To use something carefully so as not to exhaust the supply) Ask: Who is responsible for conserving water or keeping the water we have clean and usable? Tell the learners that when we take care of the Earth’s resources we are being good stewards of the Earth. (Someone who takes care of the Earth and its resources.)
- Distribute drawing paper and materials. Each learner should illustrate their own favorite use of water. (e.g. drinking, water sports,) Learners should share their illustration as they feel comfortable. They should be asked individually or as a group if they would be able to do their illustrated activity without water. Learners should also be asked: “What could we do to make sure there is enough water to always do their favorite activity?”
- Display illustrations in the hallway under the caption “If there was not enough water, I would not be able to ……”
- Reward learners’ hard work with a delicious glass of ice cold water!
Assessment:
Learners should be considered to have successfully completed the lesson through active participation in verbal discussions and the completion of their individual illustration.
School/Home Connection:
- Interactive Parent / Student Homework:
See Attachment One, Lesson One
Extension:
If space permits, set up a water exploration table. Provide a variety of containers for learners to use. Be prepared with towels!
Bibliographical References:
- Maydak, Michael S., McKinney, Barbara Shaw. A Drop around the World. California: Dawn Publications, 1998. ISBN: 1883220718
Lesson Developed and Piloted by:
Carrie A. ThomasDysart Unified School District
Parkview Elementary School
Surprise, Arizona 85374
Handouts:
Handout 1Print Handout 1
Parent Letter
Dear Families,
This week our class began a unit of study on water conservation. Over the course of this unit we will look at the uses of water, why we need water, the water cycle and how we can conserve water. Please take a moment to discuss with your child ways in which you could save water at home. We will be sharing these ideas as a group later this week. Thank you for your help and commitment to your child’s academic success.
Sincerely,
<<your name here>> Due Back __________________
Ways to conserve water
1. __________________________________
2. ___________________________________
3. ___________________________________
4. ___________________________________
5. ___________________________________
Unit Contents:
Overview:Water Makes Our World Go 'Round Summary
Lessons:
- 1.
- Water, Glorious Water
- 2.
- Where Does Water Come From: The Water Cycle
- 3.
- Measure It Up!
- 4.
- Save That Water!
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