This document provides a lesson plan for teaching 5th grade students about water pollution. It discusses how water pollution can harm human and environmental health. It then outlines how the lesson will use technology like videos and websites to help students understand the causes of water pollution and how modern sanitation methods work to keep water clean. Students will learn about agencies that prevent pollution and will have opportunities to get involved in protecting local water sources.

1. WATER POLLUTION
Intended For 5th Grade Students By: Stephanie Sgro
Spring 2013

2. Rationale:
Water Pollution is a serious concern for all forms of
life. If left untreated, it can wreak havoc on human
health and ecosystems alike. Technology has
played a major role in the detection of water
pollution and its treatment. Underneath every
major city is a labyrinth of sanitation aqueducts
and complex filtration systems. These system
supply the community with clean water. Through
these technological advances we are able to
prevent contaminates from entering our water
supply.
(Click here to watch video)

3.  The intent of this lesson is for students to obtain
a better understanding of water pollution, its
causes, and how modern sanitation methods are
helping to keep our water clean. Through the
integration of technology (i.e websites, videos,
and apps) students will learn about the different
agencies and organizations that work in an effort
to prevent further damage to our water ways.
Students will also get the chance to research
various ways they can make a difference when it
comes to their local water supply.
(Click here to watch Video)

4.  Through internet sources students will watch videos, read
journals, write blogs, and discuss both problems and
solutions for water pollution with others.
 Students will be able to reach out to experts in the field
and ask them questions about water pollution. They will
also view images of the effects water pollution has on
various bodies of waters and those who depend on it.
 Through various websites students will obtain the
information they need to get involved in protecting their
own waterways.
 The internet provides an abundance of articles, interactive
models, and tips students can use to become active
members in the fight against water pollution.

5. Why Care about Water
Pollution?
Click image to view
YouTube video.

6.  Click here for Podcast!
 This podcast is a great way for students to
hear how the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) is making efforts to help keep
our water clean. The podcast discusses how
Aquifers clean our drinking water, where
toxic water goes, and what steps they can
take to keep our water clean.

7.  Water Pollution Blog
 This blog gives students information about
the effects of water pollution in different
countries. This blog in particular discusses
China’s Yellow River which has been so
heavily polluted only “one-sixth is safe to
drink.” This is a great way for students to see
how water pollution is an international
problem.

8.  This diagram lists
some key terms
that students will
see during their
study of water
pollution. These
and many other
terms can be found
on the
 USGS Water Supply
website.

9.  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
website provides information about pollution
control and prevention. This website offers
interactive games, videos, and articles that
students will find both fun and educational.
This website offers reliable and current
information on the topic which kids will find
interesting and exciting.

10.  National Geographic for Kids is a fun and
easy way to learn about water pollution and
other topics students may be interested in.
This website offers
videos, articles, games, photos, and
international news that children will find
informative and easy to use.

11.  Through the search engine Ask Kids, students
will be able to type in the topic of water
pollution and receive numerous websites
related to the topic. One in particular site that
I found was Water-Polution.org. This
organization offers interactive guides and
models that will help students learn about
cause, treatment, and prevention of water
pollution.

12.  This non-fiction
story by author
Rhonda Donald is a
great way for a
teacher to initiate a
lesson on water
pollution.

13. Water Pollution Word
Search!
- This fun activity will
allow students to get
acquainted with
words related to
water pollution. It is
also a fun way to
celebrate Earth Day
and the conservation
of earth! (Click image
to view activity)

14. Spelling Test:
This website offers an
interactive way to take
a spelling test. Not
only does this website
say the word, but it
also gives a definition
and puts the word into
a sentence. A fun way
for students to be
tested on words
related to water
pollution! (Click image
to view website)

15.  Through the app
“CreekWatch”
students and
teachers can use
their hand held
devices to check the
pollution of local
water ways by simply
taking a picture and
answering a few
questions.

16.  Through the
website Science
Links, teachers can
find
articles, games, les
sons, and many
other tools to
enhance students
understanding of
water pollution.

17.  The website
EcoGamer is a great
way for students to
have a virtual
chemistry lesson.
Testing levels of
water pollution will
allow students to
understand the hard
work it takes to keep
our water safe.
Click image above to view game!

18. National Geographic
for kids offers 25
helpful tips for
students to be
active members in
the fight to keep
our water ways
clean!

19.  Facebook: This Facebook page is a great way
for students to learn about Aquifers. Under
this group students can blog about the topic
and discuss current events on water
pollution.
 Twitter: This twitter account “tweets” about
issues with water pollution, as well as tips to
keep our water ways clean.

20.  This Presentation can also be
viewed on: (Slideshare)