Science

Water Conservation

4-5

Students will be able to:
Monitor and record water use for 24 hours.
Identify sources of water on Earth.
Problem-solve ways to conserve water.
Apply knowledge about conservation to write a list of rules for water use on the space station.

Overview
Seventy one percent of the Earth is covered by water, and about 97% of the water is salt water in the oceans. The remaining 3% of Earth’s water is fresh water found in lakes, rivers, streams, glaciers and the polar ice caps. The average American uses about 90 gallons of water per day. Since Earth’s supply of fresh water is limited, it must be used wisely. In the same way, it is expensive to ship water to a space station so crew members must also use water wisely and recycle water when possible. Space station crews will recycle their water. This includes water from the shower, shaving and even urine. These waste waters will be purified and used again.
In this activity, students will examine sources and uses of water on Earth and keep a log of their water uses. Afterwards, they will brainstorm ways to conserve water. They will write and post a list of rules for water use.

Essential Question
How can we practice water conservation?

Preparation & Management
1. The day before starting the activity stations, give students a water log to list their water usage for the next 24 hours.
2. Students should have an understanding of the water cycle and sources of water.
3. Students will begin by discussing the uses of water. They will create a large list on poster paper.
4. Students will read the water usage sheet to the others at their work station. Students will then draw a diagram on the poster paper and compare the average daily use with the amounts of water they reported using.
5. Students will brainstorm where our water supply comes from, then generate a list of methods for conserving our limited supply of fresh water and write ideas on the student worksheet.
6. Astronauts on the space station have the same need for water: drinking, cooking, and washing. Water is heavy and it is expensive to take water to space. Astronauts are limited to eight gallons of water a day instead of the 90 gallons we use each day on earth. Using the water use charts and water conservation ideas, students will write a list of rules to post on the space station about water use. Each astronaut is allowed eight gallons per day.
7. Write rules on a poster and display for other groups to read and discuss.

Extensions

1. Water is essential for life. As we plan to travel to other place in our solar system, we must have water. Find out where water has been discovered in our solar system.
2. Write a letter to your family suggesting ways you and your family can conserve water.
3. Contact the water company in your community to locate the source of your water supply. Invite them to talk with the class to explain how water moves from its source to the school.

Seventy one percent of the Earth is covered by water, and about 97% of the water is salt water in the oceans. The remaining 3% of Earth’s water is fresh water found in lakes, rivers, streams, glaciers and the polar ice caps. The average American uses about 90 gallons of water per day. Since Earth’s supply of fresh water is limited, it must be used wisely. In the same way, it is expensive to ship water to a space station so crew members must also use water wisely and recycle water when possible. Space station crews will recycle their water. This includes water from the shower, shaving and even urine. These waste waters will be purified and used again.
In this activity, students will examine sources and uses of water on Earth and keep a log of their water uses. Afterwards, they will brainstorm ways to conserve water. They will write and post a list of rules for water use on the space station.

Procedure:
1. Begin by discussing the uses of water with your partners. List these ideas on a piece of poster paper.
2. Choose someone to read the water usage sheet out loud.
3. After reading the water usage sheet, draw a diagram on the poster paper and compare the average daily use with the amounts of water you listed on your water usage sheet.
4. Brainstorm where our water supply comes from and generate a list of ways to conserve our limited supply of fresh water. Write ideas on the student worksheet.
5. Astronauts on the space station have the same need for water – drinking, cooking, and washing. Water is heavy and it is expensive to take water to space. Astronauts are limited to 8 gallons a day instead of the 90 gallons we use each day on Earth. Using the Water Use charts and water conservation ideas, write a list of rules to post on the space station about water use. Remember each astronaut is allowed 8 gallons a day.
6. Write the rules on a poster and display for other groups to read and discuss.

Students will work collaboratively. Students will work in groups of 4.

2 class periods. 1 Hr per class.

Per student:
• Page one of the student worksheet “My Water log for 24 hours”

Per group:
• Water Usage fact sheet
• Poster paper
• Markers