Water on Earth  -  a curriculum unit for 6th grade

Developed by teachers of Lawrence Township Schools 1998. This Unit is still under development  -  Spring 2000 The Water On Earth unit focuses on fresh and salt water. Students study the sources of fresh water and the distribution of water on earth. The structure of the ocean floor and the movements of ocean water are studied. The water cycle is examined as well as its importance to ground water. Students also study the effects humans have on the environment. All topics are investigated through guided lessons, student inquiry, research, and experimentation. The focus is on creating independent learners, rather than merely teaching facts. Students conduct several open-ended investigations with parameters clearly defined.

Part One – The Water Cycle – Fresh Water Lesson 1 Distribution of Water on Earth Lesson 2 A River’s Path Lesson 3 Observing Ground Water Lesson 4 Glaciers Lesson 5 Water Cycle Column Lesson 6 Estuaries, Where the Rivers Meet the Sea	Part Three – Life in the Ocean Lesson 13 Ocean Topography Lesson 14 A Fish Scientist Lesson 15 Fashion a Fish
Part Two – Movement of Water in the Ocean Lesson 7 Layers of the Ocean Lesson 8 What Keeps the Oceans from Freezing? Lesson 9 What Causes Deep Ocean Currents? Lesson 10 Making Waves and Currents Lesson 11 Waves and Wind in a Box (Demonstration) Lesson 12 Tides- Mobile	Part Four – Environmental Concerns Lesson 16 Floating Spheres of Color Lesson 17 Effect of Oil Spill on Wildlife Lesson 18 Oil Spill Cleanup

Origins of this unit

Support materials for this unit  -  Science Curriculum Support Project at Princeton University.

Last edited September 19, 2000