Science - Kindergarten
Standard 1 Objective 1
Science - 1st Grade
Standard 1 Objective 1
Science - 2nd Grade
Standard 1 Objective 1
Science - 4th Grade
Standard 1 Objective 1
Science - 4th Grade
Standard 1 Objective 2
1 class periods of 15 minutes each
Through a visual presentation, the students will learn the different sources of freshwater, and the relative ratios of these water sources on the earth.
Approximately 75% of the earth is covered with water. Sources of water are oceans, icecaps and glaciers, groundwater, freshwater lakes, inland seas and salt lakes, the atmosphere, and rivers. Although the earth appears to have a plentiful supply of water, it is important to realize that fresh water is a limited resource. See the table below for the percentage of each water source in relation to the total amount, and the appropriate measurement for each source.
Not all of the freshwater is available for humans to use. Water in the atmosphere and in the icecaps and glaciers is not available for humans to use. We also cannot access all the groundwater. Therefore, only the water in rivers, freshwater lakes and a portion of groundwater can be used by humans. The percentage of usable freshwater is reduced by pollution and contamination. Therefore, the actual amount of water that is useable by humans is very small (approximately .00003 %).
Water Source | % of the Total Amount | Measurement |
Oceans | 97.2% | All water left in bucket |
Icecaps/Glaciers | 2.0% | 1 Cup |
Groundwater | 0.62% | 1/3 Cup |
Freshwater Lakes | 0.009% | 1/8 teaspoon |
Inland Seas/Salt Lake | 0.008% | 1/8 teaspoon |
Atmosphere | 0.001% | One drop |
Rivers | 0.0001% | One flick |
PROCEDURE:
WRAP-UP:
Review the sources of freshwater on the earth, and how little water is available for human use. Discuss ways students can conserve water in their homes, schools, and communities.
Activities:
These activities can be used to enhance or reinforce concepts and vocabulary words learned in the preceding lessons.
This lesson plan was developed by the Utah State University Water Quality Extension.
*Adapted from the "Drop in a Bucket" lesson found in Project WET (www.projectwet.org).