Students will learn about the distribution of water on Earth, how the Water Cycle works, and the importance of water conservation.

This lesson includes ONE demonstration and TWO interactive activities:

A Drop in the Bucket Demonstration:

This demonstration helps students visualize the Earth’s water distribution and how little of Earth’s water is available for human use – and why water conservation is so important.

The Incredible Journey Activity:

This activity helps students understand the complex and ever-changing path of a water molecule through the water cycle by simulating its journey and creating a bracelet to represent each step. By the end, they will have a bracelet showing the unique path their water droplet took. Students can write a personalized story based on their unique journey.

Water Footprint Activity:

This activity helps students understand the concept of a water footprint by exploring how much water is used for everyday activities and how much water goes into producing different food items. Students will guess how much water it takes and compare their guess to the actual amounts. This helps them become more mindful of their personal water use and consumption habits.

Optional Activity: (preferably outdoors)

Water Carry Challenge – A Spoonful Struggle:

This activity helps students understand the challenges faced by people in parts of the world where clean water is not easily accessible. This activity models the effort required to collect and transport water for everyday use.

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State Science Standards (2023)

Elementary School (K-5 Grade)

K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-2, K-ESS3-3, K-2-ETS1-1, 2-LS2-1, 2-LS4-1, 2-ESS1-1, 2-ESS2-2, 2-ESS2-3, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 3-ESS3-1, 3-5-ETS1-2, 4-ESS2-1, 4-ESS2-2, 4-ESS3-1, 5-PS2-1, 5-PS3-1, 5-LS1-1, 5-LS2-1, 5-ESS2-1, 5-ESS2-2, 5-ESS3-1

Middle School (6-8 Grade)

MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-4, MS-LS2-5, MS-ETS1-1, MS-ESS3-1, MS-ESS3-2, MS-PS1-3, MS-ESS2-4, MS-ESS2-5, MS-ESS3-3, MS-ESS3-4