The purpose of this learning experience is to engage first graders in a discovery-based exploration of the essential and dynamic role of water in the environment, following their recent classroom flooding incident. Through hands-on experiments, creative projects, and local community involvement, students will investigate the properties and processes of water, guided by the essential question, "Water did all that?" This project fosters critical skills in self-directed learning, critical thinking, and effective collaboration, while empowering students to contribute to water conservation efforts in their community.
Learning goals
By the end of this project, students will have the ability to investigate the fundamental properties of water and articulate its significance in Earth's surface processes. They will gain firsthand experience measuring and recording water flow and levels, and understand the water cycle through creative, hands-on activities. Students will work collaboratively and actively engage with community partners to address water-related conservation issues, enhancing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They will practice effective communication by presenting their findings to peers and community members, fostering a shared sense of responsibility and belonging regarding water conservation efforts.
Standards
[Next Generation Science Standards] ESS.2.C - The Roles of Water in Earth’s Surface Processes
Competencies
Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
Products
Students will create a large mural or installation representing the water cycle, using different materials to illustrate each process like evaporation and precipitation. They will also compile a photo journal of their experiments and field trips, documenting their observations about water properties and environmental impact. Additionally, students will design and make simple water flow measurement tools to present their findings and solutions for handling water flow changes, culminating in a community showcase with interactive displays and presentations.
Launch
Begin with a captivating classroom experiment where students explore how water absorption varies between materials by observing sponges, paper towels, and soil. Encourage them to ask questions and predict outcomes, sparking curiosity around the essential question, "Water did all that?" This hands-on activity sets the captivating stage for 12 weeks of exploration, drawing connections to their own classroom's previous water experience, fostering a sense of place and identity.
Exhibition
At the culmination of the project, students will host an interactive Water Exhibition for families, community partners, and peers. They will create water-themed art installations, present their water cycle visual art projects, and demonstrate experiments that showcase their understanding of water’s role in the environment. Students will also share findings from their community clean-up efforts, highlighting conservation impacts and inviting guests to participate in a mini-workshop on preserving water resources. This event will allow students to practice effective communication and collaboration, as they take on leadership roles in presenting their learning journey and its importance to the community.
