3.3 When Water Becomes Unusable
This middle school lesson (MS.NR.3.3, “When Water Becomes Unusable”) is part of the Middle School Food and Agricultural Literacy Curriculum’s Natural Resources Science: Water unit. Through a demonstration with cups of contaminated water, discussion of the water cycle, and an artistic exit activity, students learn how water pollution can render water a non-renewable, unusable resource.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
-
- As a result of this unit the students will explain the role of clean water in sustaining life.
- As a result of this lesson the students will explain how water can be a non-renewable resource.
- Time required
- Instruction time for this lesson: 45 minutes.
- Grade level
- Middle School
- Materials
-
- Overhead or LCD projector
- Five clear cups/jars
- Water
- Chocolate syrup
- Shredded paper
- Oil
- Soil
- Blank 8.5×11" paper – one per student
- Crayons/Marker/Paints – shared for entire class
- MS.NR.3.3.TM.A-F
- MS.NR.3.3.ASSESS.A – one per student
- Lesson Number
- MS.NR.3.3
- Precepts
- C. Vision – C4. Adapt to opportunities and obstacles; D. Character – D1. Live with integrity
- Key Terms
- Water pollution
- Resources
- Environmental Protection Agency, Teacher Resources – Water. (1997). Pollution Prevention (P2) Education Toolbox. Retrieved August 9, 2009, from Environmental Protection Agency EPA Links. Web site: http://www.epa.gov/reg5rcra/wptdiv/p2pages/p2.pdf
- Evaluation
- MS.NR.3.2.ASSESS.A
Downloads & Links
Aligned Standards
National Standards
- NL-ENG.K-12.12Applying Language Skills
- NRS.01.01.01.bDifferentiate between renewable and non-renewable natural resources.
- NRS.02.06.01.a.Identify biogeochemical cycles.
- NRS.02.06.08.bDescribe the impact of pollution on natural resources.
- NS.5-8.2Physical Science
- NS.5-8.6Science in Personal and Social Perspectives
- NSS-GK-12.5Environment and Society