Grade 2 The Water Cycle and You!

Subject: Science & Technology

Curriculum Strands: Earth & Space Systems

Curriculum Topics: Water in the Environment

Big Idea:

• Air and water are a major part of the environment.
• Our actions affect the quality of air and water, and its ability to sustain life

Overall Expectations met by this workshop:

• Assess ways in which the actions of humans have an impact on the quality of air and water, and ways in which the quality of air and water has an impact on living things
• Investigate the characteristics of air and water and the visible/invisible effects of and change to air and/or water in the environment.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which air and water are used by living things to help them meet their basic needs

Specific Expectations met by this workshop:

Relating Science and Technology to Society and the Environment

• Assess the impact of human activities on air and water in the environment and plan a course of action to help keep the air and water in the local community clean 
• Assess personal and family uses of water as responsible/efficient or wasteful, and create a plan to reduce the amount of water used, where possible 

 Developing Investigation and Communication Skills

• Investigate the stages of the water cycle including evaporation, condensation, precipitation and collection
• Investigate water in the natural environment
• Investigates water in the natural environment
• Use appropriate science and technology vocabulary

 Understanding Basic Concepts

• Describe ways in which living things, including humans, depends on air and water
• Identify sources of water in the natural and built environment
• Identify the three states of water in the environment, give examples of each and show how they fit into the water cycle when the temperature of the surrounding environment change
• State reasons why clean water is an increasingly scarce resource in many parts of the world

Description of EcoHouse Experience:

Students will participate in an activity where the students will go on a journey of a water drop and visit the stages of the water cycle. In this activity students will able to describe the movements of water within the water cycle. Also they will be identifying different states of water as it moves through the water cycle. Through a short tour (60 min) of the EcoHouse students will be exposed to water-saving technology and discover ways to conserve water in the own homes and school. Students will then brainstorm how they use water in their daily lives and in turn realize the significance of clean water to human health.  They will also identify local sources of water and why it is important to preserve and protect these natural water bodies from pollution and overuse.