Water Unit Part 1: Water on Earth, Water Conservation, Groundwater, Pollution

Water on Earth Unit: Lessons, Activities & Groundwater Conservation

Comprehensive Earth Science Unit on Water Resources, Groundwater & Pollution

This 9-lesson Water Unit provides a structured and interactive approach to teaching water on Earth, water conservation, groundwater, depletion, and pollution. Students engage with hands-on activities, data analysis, real-world case studies, and critical thinking challenges to deepen their understanding of how water is used, stored, and impacted by human activities.

The unit includes: 21-page work bundle that follows the PowerPoint slideshows. Fill-in red slide notes, hands-on experiments, and graphing activities. Real-world case studies on groundwater depletion, pollution, and conservation. Built-in assessments, quizzes, and engaging video links. Google Slides, Docs, and writable PDFs for flexible learning.

This unit ensures students gain a strong foundation in Earth’s water systems and human impacts on water resources.

Unit Breakdown & Key Concepts

Lesson 1: Water on Earth (50 Minutes)

• Introduction to Earth’s Water Distribution – Oceans, lakes, rivers, glaciers, and groundwater.

• Human Water Use – Brainstorming how water is used in daily life.

• Visual Demonstration – A 5-gallon jug demo illustrates the small percentage of freshwater available.

• Pie Graph Activity – Students create a visual representation of Earth’s water sources.

Lesson 2: Water as a Resource (50 Minutes)

• Exploring Water Scarcity – Global droughts and their impact on civilizations.

• Case Study: Water Wars in Somalia – Students read about a conflict over a well and answer comprehension questions.

• Video Link & Discussion – Examining global water crises and their effects.

Lesson 3: Groundwater & Water Conservation (50 Minutes)

• Introduction to Groundwater & Aquifers – Confined vs. unconfined aquifers and their importance.

• Water Conservation Strategies – How to reduce water waste at home and in communities.

• Engaging visuals & video links reinforce learning.

Lesson 4: Groundwater Depletion (50 Minutes)

• Recharge vs. Discharge Activity – Using a checkbook analogy, students track deposits and withdrawals.

• Aquifer Depletion & Its Effects – Examining how overuse leads to water shortages.

• Case Study: Tucson River, Arizona – Investigating the long-term effects of groundwater overuse.

Lesson 5: Groundwater Decline & The Aral Sea (50 Minutes)

• Graphing Groundwater Data – Students analyze water level changes in Cook County, Georgia.

• The Aral Sea Disaster – Investigating how human activity led to one of the worst water losses in history.

• Video Link & Interactive Visuals bring the data to life.

Lesson 6: Groundwater Contamination & The Love Canal Tragedy (50 Minutes)

• Types of Groundwater Contamination – Pollution from industry, agriculture, and human activities.

• The Love Canal Case Study – A real-world example of hazardous waste disposal and its impact.

• Reading Comprehension & Critical Thinking – Students answer questions based on the case study.

Lesson 7: Fracking & Groundwater Contamination (50 Minutes)

• Environmental Concerns of Fracking – Exploring the impact of hydraulic fracturing on water supplies.

• Groundwater Contamination Mapping Activity – Students color-code a contamination map and trace the source of pollution.

Lesson 8: Crossword Puzzle & Review Game (50 Minutes)

• Crossword Puzzle – Reinforces key vocabulary with 23 interactive clues.

• 20-Question Review Game – Acts as an end-of-unit assessment.

• Google Slideshow Format – Run as a class game or assign digitally.

Lesson 9: Review Game Answers & Self-Assessment (50 Minutes)

• Students Self-Assess Their Review Game Answers.

• "Find the Owl" Bonus Questions & Final Wager Round for added engagement.

• Answer Key Provided for Work Bundle Review.

Why Use This Unit?

This Water on Earth Unit provides a complete, engaging, and structured learning experience for students while simplifying lesson planning for teachers.

It is perfect for: Teachers looking for structured, interactive lessons with real-world applications. Students who benefit from hands-on activities, data analysis, and case studies. Classrooms using digital or print-based learning resources.

As part of a larger Earth Science curriculum, this unit integrates seamlessly with lessons on the water cycle, weathering, erosion, soil science, and climate studies. Whether used as a standalone unit or part of a broader curriculum, this resource ensures students develop a deep understanding of Earth's water systems and the challenges of water conservation and pollution.