A Clean Drink: Curriculum Module

A Clean Drink

compiled by Bernadette Pate Holt

Summary:

This module is designed to introduce third grade students to the basic system of water purification that most municipalities use to provide water to our homes.

Connection to the curriculum:

The integration of science, language arts, and technology will be used in this unit.

Time:

This module will take about one week to complete.

Season:

Any season would be appropriate for using this module.

Materials:

See individual activities.

Objectives:

As a result of these activities, the student will:

1. Describe the steps in the water purification process.

2. Assess the importance of water quality.

3. Identify ways to help conserve and protect our water supplies.

Background Information:

The amount of water that exists on the earth today is the same amount that was here when the earth was created. Water is recycled continuously through the water cycle. Heating causes evaporation in the form of water vapor. Plants and trees also create water vapor through the process of respiration. Water vapor rises, cools and condenses to form clouds. The next step in the water cycle is precipitation that can take the forms of rain, hail, sleet, or snow. People then collect the water, clean it and use it in some way. It then returns to the lakes, rivers, or streams and the entire process begins again.

There are two types of water sources:

1. Surface Water - These are any water sources above the ground such as

reservoirs, lakes, streams, and rivers.

2. Ground Water - When it rains, water soaks into the ground until it

reaches waterproof rock. These collections of water

are often in the form of an aquifer.

Water has to be cleaned before we can use it in cooking or drinking. Water can become polluted is when people pour chemicals down the drain, fertilize their lawns, or dump oil in their backyards. There is also natural pollution that comes from rain absorbing dirt, dust, and grease from the air, or flowing over dirt, clay, leaves, and decayed organic matter.

Evaluation:

1. Labeling of a water purification system.

2. Written reports of specific components of water purification system.

3. Mural participation.

Resources:

Books to Read/References:

* Rivers and Lakes by David Cumming. Published by Thompson Learning, 1995.

* Rivers and Lakes by Martyn Bramwell. Published by Franklin Watts, 1986.

* Water Water Everywhere by Mark J. Rauzon and Cynthia Overbeck Bix. Published by Sierra Club Books, 1993.

* Wonderful Water by Bobbie Kalman and Janine Schuab. Published by Crabtree Publishing Company, 1992.

Other resources:

* "Water, Water Everywhere," Filmstrip from the National Geographic Educational Services (800) 624-8301

* Water Quality Curriculums, American Waterworks Association, 6666 W. Quincy Avenue, Denver, CO 80235

Additional Sources of Information:

* Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water Programs, Washington, DC 20460, (202)382-5700

* Adopt A Stream, Izaak Walton League of America, Inc., 1701 North Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 1100, Arlington, VA 22209, (703)528-1616.

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