Shared Waters - Part One

Dive into an exciting exploration of our shared waterways with this dynamic class project! In Part 1, our students embark on a series of hands-on activities to understand how interconnected our water systems truly are. First, watch as imaginations flow! Each student designs their own waterfront property – a cozy home, a bustling factory, a peaceful farm – the possibilities were endless! But the real learning began when we brought these individual landscapes together to simulate the Tiger River. Witness firsthand how "upstream" choices can impact everyone "downstream" as we explore the concept of runoff and water pollution. Next, we took a step back to see the bigger picture. Using an inflatable globe and a little bit of pinky power, we made a surprising discovery about the sheer amount of water covering our planet – a whopping 71%! But the journey didn't stop there. We delved deeper than the simple water cycle diagram, embarking on an interactive adventure as water droplets! Students traveled through various "water" locations – from rushing rivers and vast oceans to icy glaciers and even inside living things – collecting colorful beads to track their unique journeys. See how the roll of a die brought the complexities of the real water cycle to life. Finally, prepare for a downpour! Students transformed crumpled paper into intricate landform maps, complete with neighborhoods, industries, and green spaces. Then, we made it rain! Watch as the water flows, revealing how runoff collects and where it ultimately ends up. Plus, see the impact of non-permeable surfaces as water-based markers bleed, illustrating how pollutants can easily enter our water systems. This video captures the energy and "aha!" moments as students grasp crucial concepts about water, pollution, and our shared responsibility. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll investigate permeable and impermeable surfaces and how water makes its way into our local watershed!