Water may be all around us but that doesn’t mean that it’s safe to drink. The water cycle is how water naturally moves through nature but the water that comes from our taps has to go through additional steps. Water treatment plants are part of our infrastructure and provide us with safe water. 

Today, you will create a water treatment plant! 

Step 1: Water collects through the water cycle and through watersheds. But, what is a watershed and how does it begin the process of water treatment? Watch this video and explore this site to learn about watersheds.

Step 2: Water treatment plants are a basic part of our infrastructure but they provide an essential service. Watch this video to see how water can go from a reservoir to your sink.

Step 3: Now that you know about the steps that water takes to get to your sink, it’s time to create your own water treatment plant. Depending on your grade level, select the resource that fits you: Elementary, Middle, High

Step 4: Using your Da Vinci notebook, look at your water treatment plan and record some reflections. Did it work as you expected? What would you change next time? How might you explain the process of getting clean water to a friend?

Step 5: Be sure to ask an adult to share your water treatment plant on social media using #MakerMonday & #AlwaysLearningTN!

Additional Resources:

Virtual Stream Field Trip

Clean Water Curriculum

Water is fascinating! Every living thing on the Earth depends on water to survive. From deserts to rainforests, water is everywhere. Have you ever thought about how water changes forms? Water can travel from place to place by changing forms and becoming part of the water cycle!

Today, you will imagine how water travels!

Step 1: The water cycle is the way that water travels throughout the world as it changes forms. This allows water to travel great distances and support life across the planet. Learn how the cycle operates here: Early learners and Older learners

Step 2: Now that you’ve explored the water cycle, you can create your own. Watch the video and follow the instructions here. 

Step 3: Have you ever looked at the clouds and tried to see shapes in them? Or maybe you’ve noticed that there are several different looking clouds. Learn about the different types of clouds here: Early learners and Older learners   

Step 4: TVA, the Tennessee Valley Authority, operates reservoirs and dams in Tennessee and surrounding states. They monitor the safety of structures and water across the state. Learn how they keep our waters safe and what is happening with the TVA Science Kids World Water Program here.

Step 5: Ask a family member to share what you learned about water on social media using #WonderWednesdayTN & #AlwaysLearningTN!

Additional Resources:

Pollution in Our Water

The Water Cycle extra resources

The Earth is 71% water and that means there are countless jobs that deal with all that water in its many forms. Whether dealing with the weather or creating safe drinking water, you can find careers everywhere. If you are curious about nature or enjoy engineering, one of these careers might be a good fit for you.   

Today, you will explore career options  working with water!

Step 1: Meteorology is the study of  the processes and phenomena of the atmosphere, especially weather. A career in meteorology can have you observing the water cycle in all its forms. Learn more about this career here.

Step 2: Geosciences encompass many different careers that examine water in its many forms and help us understand how the  Earth works. Learn about 21 different careers  here  using the Career Compass. 

Step 3: The creation of clean water requires workers at many different levels. From technicians to engineers to mechanics, these essential workers provide us with the water we need to live healthy lives. Learn about the possibilities here.

 Step 4: Environmental scientists can specialize in water conservation where they focus on how to preserve water resources. If you are ecologically minded, a career in water conservation might be right for you. Learn more here.

Step 5:  Ask a family member to share something you learned about one of the careers using #FutureFridayTN & #AlwaysLearningTN!

Additional Resources:

NASA Meteorology: Grades 5-9

World Water Day Resources