Fiction and non-fiction titles compiled by our developers
Annotated lists of child-friendly and teacher-friendly websites to deepen content knowledge or conduct further research.
Documents for Science Companion users to print for their classrooms.
Suggestions for organizing and managing materials.
The following is a list of recommended books that provide a wide range of reading and research resources for this unit. Collect as many as you can for your classroom science library, or ask your school librarian for assistance.
By Barbara Shaw McKinney; illustrated by Michael S. Maydak. (1998, Dawn Publications)
This book, written as a long poem, follows a drop of water on an extended journey through the water cycle. The drop moves through its liquid, solid, and gaseous states and travels from sky to land to sea and underground. In the process, the importance of water to all living things is described and explored. A teacher’s guide to accompany this book (described in the “Books for Teachers” category, below) is also available.
By Joanna Cole; illustrated by Bruce Degen. (1986, Scholastic)
In this adventure, Ms. Frizzle and her class turn into drops of water, take a quick trip through part of the water cycle, and end up in a water treatment facility. Numerous facts about the water cycle, water pollution, and water purification are worked into the text and various sidebars.
By Joanna Cole; illustrated by Bruce Degen. (1996, Scholastic)
Ms. Frizzle and the kids become drops of water and move through the water cycle, learning about evaporation, condensation, and precipitation along the way.
By Gary Paulsen. (1991, Dell/Yearling Books)
In this sequel to Paulsen’s popular Hatchet, young Brian Robeson is asked by the government to repeat his astonishing 54-day ordeal, surviving in the wilderness with only a hatchet. But the experiment goes awry and Brian must build a raft to transport the injured government observer a hundred miles down a river. The fast-paced adventure provides vivid descriptions of water, as well as contrasting the life-giving and life-threatening nature of this most valuable resource. A great read for advanced readers or use it as a read-aloud book.
By David Suzuki and Sarah Ellis; illustrated by Sheena Lott. (2003, Greystone Books)
During a walk in the woods with her father, Kate learns about the life cycle of the sockeye salmon, as well as its place in the larger circle of life. Interactions between water and the forest are emphasized.
By Carol Reed-Jones; illustrated by Michael S. Maydak. (2000, Dawn Publications)
Vivid illustrations from the salmon's perspective, as well as rhyming text, make this a great read aloud book. The back matter includes more scientific text about the salmon life cycle as well as a section titled "What Makes a Good Salmon Stream?"
By Neil Waldman. (2003, The Millbrook Press)
Follows a snowflake as it becomes a water droplet and journeys through all the stages of the water cycle. The droplet travels though familiar locations including rivers, farm irrigation systems, clouds, reservoirs, household tap water, and oceans (where it is swallowed by a fish), before evaporating and condensing into a snowflake once again.
By Thomas Locker. (2002, First Voyager Books)
This unique introduction to the water cycle is a beautiful mix of art, science, and poetry. The text is simple and poetic; there is also a more detailed, factual section at the end. Selected in 1998 by the National Science Teachers Association for an Outstanding Science Trade Book for Children award.
By Cindy Littlefield, illustrated by Sarah Rakitin. (2003, Williamson Publishing)
For students and teachers interested in ocean studies, this book explores the wonders of the sea, the seafloor, and the plants and animals that dwell there. It teaches how to protect these resources as well as providing hands-on activities for further exploration.
By Barbara Kerley. (2002, National Geographic Society)
Large, beautiful photographs of people using drinking water from all around the world. The photograph captions at the end of the book will inspire conversations about global water distribution and conservation. A brief, but interesting background information section at the end is a good springboard for additional study.
By Meredith Hooper, illustrated by Chris Coady. (1998, Viking)
A richly illustrated speculation about the history of a drop of water. Beginning with comets crashing on Earth’s surface (which may have originally brought water to our planet), to the beginning of life on Earth, the age of the dinosaurs, up to the present day. Describes how water has shaped our planet’s geology as well as its importance to all life.
By Walter Wick; photography by the author. (1997, Scholastic)
Beautiful photography depicts properties and states of water. As the author writes, “The results seemed magical, but not because of any photographic trick; it was only the forces of nature at work.” The captions introduce many water vocabulary terms and the notes at the end of the book encourage independent investigations. Selected by the National Science Teachers Association for an Outstanding Science Trade Book for Children award in 1998.
By Mary Tull. (2004, National Geographic Society)
This comprehensive look at rivers and lakes focuses on geography and human interactions with rivers and lakes. Bright photographs and easy-to-read text make this an excellent resource for emergent readers. Includes a glossary and a section about reading bar graphs for information.
By Sneed B. Collard; illustrated by James M. Needham. (1998, Charlesbridge Publishing)
Readers will discover 13 different aquatic ecosystems as they read about the diversity of life found in the wet places on Earth. Colorful, detailed illustrations splash off the pages, and the fact-filled text provides a fascinating introduction to the flora and fauna that inhabit the waterways and oceans of our planet. Includes a glossary. Selected in 1999 by the National Science Teachers Association for an Outstanding Science Trade Book for Children award.
By Gordon Morrison: illustrated by the author. (2002, Walter Lorraine Books)
Witness the array of life in and around a pond throughout the course of a year. From the giant glaciers that carved the earth and melted to create the pond, to the microscopic plankton eaten by the mussels that slowly scoot along its bottom, no detail is too large or too small to be revealed and explained. With vivid watercolors, the author observes and describes this habitat through the seasons. Selected in 2003 by the National Science Teachers Association for an Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students award.
By Amy Ehrlich; illustrated by Wendell Minor. (2003, Silver Whistle)
As a bright and curious child, a student at Woods Hole Marine Biology Laboratory in Massachusetts, an ocean explorer, a collector of specimens, and author of the famous book Silent Spring, Rachel Carson lived an interesting life. The book is beautifully written in a single-page narrative, and Minor’s full-color illustrations give personality to every page. Selected in 2004 by the National Science Teachers Association for an Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students award.
By Rob Bowden. (2003, Raintree Steck-Vaughn Publishers)
A good introduction to the geological, social, and political implications of water use. Filled with interesting charts, colorful photographs, and thought-provoking quotes from political leaders and water researchers, this is a good reference book for fourth graders. This book takes a global view of water as a resource and may provide ideas for social studies extensions or further study.
By Franklyn M. Branley, illustrated by James Graham Hale. (1997, Harper Trophy)
A water cycle story that effectively covers precipitation, evaporation, and condensation. Appealing cartoon-like illustrations feature speech bubbles with many interesting water facts. The text and pictures are not as complex as those in other recommended books, but the content complements the Watery Earth Unit very well and will be accessible to most fourth graders.
By Arthur Dorros. (1993, Harper Trophy)
Nicely explains the movement of water from a child’s yard all the way to ocean. Story covers increasingly larger bodies of water. Discusses erosion, floods, hydroelectric dams,reservoirs, and pollution. Simple text and pictures, but complementary unit content that is suitable for most fourth graders.
By Trudi Strain Trueit. (2002, Franklin Watts)
This very informative book, with striking photographs, includes short chapters on the water cycle, water and weather, accessing water resources, water pollution, and water conservation. It also features a useful glossary and bibliography. It is an excellent reference book for the unit.
By Keith Brandt; illustrated by Yoshi Miyake. (1982, Troll)
This book follows the journey of a raindrop through the water cycle and briefly discusses the characteristics and importance of water. It also talks about how living things need water to survive.
By Molly Cone; photography by Sidnee Wheelwright. (1992, Sierra Club)
This captivating and inspirational book tells the true story of how an elementary school in Washington State cleaned up a nearby stream, stocked it with salmon, succeeded in getting salmon to live and spawn there, and involved the community in sustaining the positive effects. The project is well documented, with compelling text and wonderful photographs that describe the engagement of students at all grade levels.
By Lynne Cherry. (1992, Gulliver Green/Harcourt Brace & Company)
A factual account of the history of the Nashua River of New Hampshire andMassachusetts. The story of a clear, life-sustaining river, almost irreparably polluted by textile and paper mill pollution, and finally rescued by the grassroots efforts of environmental activists. Appealing page borders chronicle the development of technology and the experiences of animals and people living in the river valley.
By Melvin Berger, illustrated by Paul Mirocha. (1994, Harper Collins)
Beginning with the 1989 Exxon Valdez incident, this story examines the causes and devastating effects of an oil spill on the environment. Describes the effectiveness of a variety of oil-cleaning strategies and suggests ways to prevent future oil spills.
By Bruce and Carol Malnor. (1998, Dawn Publications)
This teacher’s guide integrates character education with core science and language arts. Lessons include poetry and songs, water habitats around the globe, and skills for living.
By Marq de Villiers. (2000, Houghton Mifflin Company)
Examines the political and social implications of limited water resources. Fascinating case studies highlight key contributions to water supply problems, including water pollution and misuse.
(November, 1993; National Geographic Society)
This special edition contains a variety of articles about water issues in the United States and around the world. An excellent source of information about water pollution and conservation topics, this publication will inspire and intrigue teachers.
Below are some general tips and suggestions to assist with the management of materials for the Watery Earth Unit:
Our writers recommended these independent websites for our field-test teachers.
The Fragile Fringe: A Guide for Teaching about Coastal Wetlands
http://www.nwrc.usgs.gov/fringe/ff_index.html
This USGS sponsored site includes background information for teachers as well as activities that focus on the vital ecological role of coastal wetlands. Includes sections on wetlands loss, the Barrier Islands and Mississippi Delta. Though activities cover all grade levels, ones for elementary students are identified. Includes a glossary.
Kirsten Findell’s Water Quotes and Poetry
http://www.gfdl.noaa.gov/~klf/h2oquotes.html
Dr. Findell works in The Climate Dynamics and Prediction group at The Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Lab, which is a global climate modeling center run by The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Use the material here to supplement the poetry and proverbs in the student reference book.
Quotations About Water
http://www.quotegarden.com/water.html
The Quote Garden, a commercial site, provides a number of famous authors’ thoughts about water. Use the material here to supplement the poetry and proverbs in the student reference book.
River of Words
http://www.riverofwords.org/
River of Words’ multidisciplinary, hands-on approach to education nurtures students’ creative voices through instruction and practice in art and poetry. This site features some amazing examples of student art and poetry, a source of inspiration for language arts and art extensions. Don’t miss the thoughtful and moving contributions by the young Afghan refugees!
U.S. Geological Survey’s Learning Web
http://interactive2.usgs.gov/learningweb/explorer/topic_water_links.asp
The "Water" section of the "Learning Web" portion of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) web site features links to numerous web sites with a range of information about water. This is a good resource for both students and teachers.
Water Quotes - Pausing to Think
http://www.gmd4.org/quotes.html
This site, part of the Northwest Kansas Groundwater Management District Number Four’s webpage, lists water related quotations and poetry throughout history and from many cultures. Use the material here to supplement the poetry and proverbs in the student reference book.
Water Science for Schools
http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/
This kid-friendly portion of the USGS website offers information on many aspects of water and includes pictures, data and maps. Parts of the web site are interactive, allowing students to give opinions and test their water knowledge. Also includes a glossary of water terms.
Is the Oasis Vanishing?
http://www.pbs.org/thinktank/transcript1106.html
This is a transcript of the PBS show "Think Tank." Host Ben Wattenberg is joined by Peter Gleick, President of the Pacific Institute for Studies in Development, Environment, and Security in Oakland, California, and author of The World’s Water, a biennial report on freshwater resources; and Peter Rogers, professor of city and regional planning and environmental engineering at Harvard University and author of America’s Waters. The guests discuss the issues of the Earth’s limited water resources.
Living Waters at the World Wildlife Fund
http://www.panda.org/about_wwf/what_we_do/freshwater/index.cfm
This extensive site provides information and links about WWF’s freshwater program. Contents include information about problems and solutions pertaining to water resources, fact sheets, news stories, and a photo gallery.
UNICEF: Water, Environment, and Sanitation
http://www.unicef.org/wes/index.html
This site provides an outstanding overview of the water and sanitation issues confronting over two billion people around the world. Though it highlights the work of UNICEF to improve water supplies and sanitation for communities worldwide, the site also provides statistics, links to resources, news articles about child-focused projects, and real-life stories about children and water.
Water in Africa
http://www.peacecorps.gov/wws/water/africa/lessons/ESread01/
This short teaching unit, "Splish Splash: Daily Use of Water," facilitates students’ understandings of daily water use through reading stories from Peace Corps Volunteers who served in Kenya (East African Region) and Ghana (West African Region). The lessons are excellent extension activities appropriate for several of the Watery Earth lessons.
Water on Tap: What You Need to Know
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/wot/index.html
This site contains a downloadable version of this EPA booklet. Topics include the following:Where does your drinking water come from? How do you know if your drinking water is safe? How can you protect it? What can you do if there’s a problem with your drinking water? This is a comprehensive and useful reference tool for teachers and parents.
The Water Treatment Cycle
http://www.epa.gov/OGWDW/kids/treat.html
This EPA-sponsored site for students follows a drop of water from the source through the treatment process. Students can click on a graphic of a typical water treatment facility and learn more about that step in the process.
Dartmouth Flood Observatory
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~floods/hydrography/E30S10.html
This site details flood data collected by orbital spacecraft. Click on the squares on the world map and to download a detailed map with flood data covering several years. (Try Italy. It's got some interesting multi-year flooding).
The Groundwater Foundation’s Kids Corner
http://www.groundwater.org/kc/kc.html
This page is part of the Foundation’s larger website. It contains sections for students and teachers that include informational articles as well as activities and games. Information includes a basic explanation of groundwater and how it fits into the water cycle.
Know Your Watershed
http://www.ctic.purdue.edu/KYW/
Just enter a city name or zip code and locate the USGS "watershed address." Links to a map of your watershed. A useful tool to locate local surface water information for Lesson 4. The site includes other information about wetlands and understanding the interaction between groundwater and surface water.
Major Rivers of North America
http://www.graphicmaps.com/webimage/countrys/nariv.htm
This page at WorldAtlas.com has a map and descriptions of surface water in rivers in North America. There are also links to maps of other world regions showing surface water.
National Atlas of the United States
http://nationalatlas.gov/natlas/natlasstart.asp
This federal government website provides an interactive format for creating maps that display various types of data. For example, it’s possible to draw a map that shows dams and aquifers, and then click on a symbol to identify a specific feature. A useful tool for a social studies extension or as a resource for several Watery Earth lessons.
America’s Clean Water Foundation
http://www.acwf.org/index.html
The foundation promotes youth education and public involvement in clean water issues. The side includes a listing of publications suitable for children, many of which can be viewed online, as well as a set of pages just for kids.
Earth 911 KIDS
http://washington.earth911.org/usa/master.asp?s=kids&a=kids/kids.asp
At this site students will find information, fun games and activities, and environmental links. Adults will also find links about water pollution and conservation. A locator map allows users to search for state-specific information.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s Student Center on Water
http://www.epa.gov/students/water.htm
As the site’s introduction states, "here you can learn how water is polluted, treated, and protected." This web page displays an extensive list of links to other sites, each with a short description. Some of these link lead to other government sponsored sites, others are non-governmental. This is a useful jumping off point for further research about protecting and conserving water resources.
Especially for Kids , Office of Response and Restoration
http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/kids/kids.html
This National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) sponsored website offers students links and activities about understanding and mitigating the effects of oil and hazardous materials in our waters and along our coasts.
Give Water a Hand
http://www.uwex.edu/erc/gwah/index.html
This site helps young people team up with educators, natural resource experts and committed community members to study water issues and take action. Includes links to other helpful water web sites.
H 2OUSE Water Saver Home
http://www.h2ouse.org/
This site provides a wealth of information about conserving water in the home. It features a virtual tour of various rooms in the house, highlighting ways water is used and can be conserved in each room. It also offers a "Water Budget Calculator" to help you calculate how much water you use at home, a garden guide with information about low water use plants, and lists the top 5 actions you can do to save water around the house. Sponsored by the California Urban Water Conservation Council.
International Rivers Network
http://www.irn.org/
This organization supports local communities working to protect their rivers and watersheds. The website includes links to their "International Day of Action" and other projects. A good website for teachers looking for more information about rivers and dams.
Just For Kids - Maryland Department of the Environment
http://www.mde.state.md.us/CitizensInfoCenter/kids/index.asp
This page lists links with a focus on pollution issues that will be of interest to children. Listed links include information about mercury, air pollution, and recycling.
100 Tips for Conserving Water
http://bewatersmart.net/100tips.htm
This practical and detailed list is created and sponsored by the Water Conservation Coalition. It focuses mainly on ways to save water around the home and garden. Though some tips are geared towards adults, several ideas could be implemented by students as part of the Protecting Water Resources Project.
Water for Life, the Earth Day Network
http://www.earthday.net/goals/water_for_life.asp
Founded by the organizers of the first Earth Day in 1970, Earth Day Network (EDN) promotes environmental citizenship. Their "Water for Life" campaign focuses upon water access, health, and usage issues in communities worldwide. The listed links help educate others how to conserve and handle water issues across the globe. "Ten Thirsty Children," for example, provides stories about real children around the world facing the challenge of finding sufficient, clean water. Each story includes a vivid photograph and a detailed description of efforts being made to solve the problem. These stories provide additional case studies for the "Studying Water Problems" lesson.
Water Use It Wisely
http://www.wateruseitwisely.com/index.html
In addition to a "Family Water Audit," a landscape watering guide, and a list of low-water use plants, this site features links to conservation organizations and local water authorities and a couple of "water-wise" games.
WaterShed Action
http://cgee.hamline.edu/watershed/action/background/fact_sheets.htm
The Center for Global Environmental Education and the WaterShed Partners sponsor this website that includes downloadable fact sheets on several topics including how trash affects fish and wildlife, what happens to pollutants that spill into the street, and the impacts of erosion on water quality. Each fact sheet includes a link to a service learning project, which might suggest ideas for the Protecting Water Resources Project. Though the fact sheets are written above grade-level, both teachers and students will find that essential information enriches several of the Watery Earth unit’s lessons.
ExploraGear kits contain equipment and consumables for student explorations. Scroll down to view the entire ExploraGear list.
Each module also lists easy-to-find Classroom Supplies used in the lessons. Scroll down or click the link on the right to see the Classroom Supplies list for this module.
| QUANTITY | ITEM |
|---|---|
| 10 | Bags, Zip |
| 16 | Plastic Containers w/ Lids, 32 oz |
| 1 | Clear Plastic Cups, 3.5 oz, pk/100 |
| 1 | Clear Plastic Cups, 12 oz, pk/50 |
| 1 | Measuring Cup, 8 oz |
| 1 | Graduated Cylinders, 100 mL, set/6 |
| 2 | Graduated Cylinders, 100 mL |
| 3 | Plastic Droppers, pk/12 |
| 1 | Paper Coffee Filters, box/100 |
| 8 | Funnels, 3 in |
| 6 | U.S. Maps, folded, 3” x 8” |
| 1 | Marbles, 5/8 in (16 mm), bag/50 |
| 2 | Foil Pans, 4 3/4” x 3/4” |
| 1 | Plates, Foam, 9 in, pk/35 |
| 2 | Scales, Platform Diet |
| 1 | Sponge, pk/2 |
| 1 | Electric Cup Warmer |
| 1 | Storage Chest w/ Lid, 11X18X15” |
| QUANTITY | ITEM | LESSON |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Audio recording of water sounds (optional) | 1 |
| 1 pad | Chart paper | Multiple lessons |
| 1 or 2 per group | Ice cubes | 1 |
| 1 | Marker, permanent | Multiple lessons |
| Several sheets | Newspaper | 1, 3, 13 |
| 1 | Overhead projector | 1, 4, 8, 11 |
| Several | Photographs of water scenes (optional) | 1 |
| 1 | Portable ice chest | 1 |
| 1 | Thermos (optional) | 1 |
| 1 | Vaporizer (optional) | 1, 7 |
| 1 | Video of water scenes (optional) | 1 |
| Various quantities | Water | Multiple lessons |
| 1 section per group | Grass | 3 |
| 1 piece per group | Human-made materials, non porous | 3 |
| 1 piece per group | Human-made materials, porous | 3 |
| 1 piece per group | Human-made materials, semi porous | 3 |
| 125 ml (1/2 C) per group | Potting soil | 3 |
| 1-2 per group | Rocks | 3 |
| 125 ml (1/2 C) per group | Sand | 3 |
| 10 of either size | Containers, 1-liter or 1-gallon | 4 |
| 1 per group | Maps, state and local | 4 |
| 1 | Measuring spoon, 3/4 tsp size | 4 |
| 1 | Pitcher | 4, 5, 6 |
| 1 | Syringe (optional) | 4 |
| 250 ml (1 C) per group | Pea gravel, 1/4 inch diameter | 5 |
| 250 ml (1 C) per group | Sand, dry | 5 |
| 1 per group | Cups | 7 |
| 1 | Chalkboard, desktop, or sheet of black poster board | 7 |
| 1 bottle | Food coloring, red, green, or blue | 7 |
| 1 | Ice chest | 7 |
| Several per group | Ice cubes | 7, 8 |
| 2 per group | Metals cans, 500 ml (1 cup), half-filled with room-temperature water | 7 |
| Several sheets | Paper towels, moist | 7 |
| 1 | Spoon, metal | 7 |
| 1 | Camera (optional) | 9 |
| Several | Empty containers, various capacities (optional) | 10 |
| 1 per pair | Calculators (optional) | 11 |
| 1 per volunteer | Notepad and pencil | 12 |
| At least one per student | Self-sticking notes (optional) | 12 |
| 2 | Bowls, 4+ cups capacity | 13 |
| 1 | Colander | 13 |
| 15-20 pieces | Cotton fabric, 30 cm x 30 cm | 13 |
| 1 bottle | Food coloring, blue | 13 |
| 1 bottle | Food coloring, red | 13 |
| 1 | Lint screen from clothes dryer | 13 |
| 750 ml (3 C) | Paper pieces, small | 13 |
| 40 or so sheets | Paper towels | 13, SBA 4 |
| 3 | Pitchers, jars, or bottles | 13 |
| 2 per pair | Plastic bottles, 2-liter | 13 |
| 1 pair per student | Plastic gloves | 13 |
| 2 per pair | Plastic spoons | 13 |
| 750 ml (3 C) | Potting soil | 13 |
| Several pieces | Rocks or sticks, small | 13 |
| 1 pair per student | Safety goggles | 13 |
| 750 ml (3 C) | Vegetable oil | 13 |
| 750 ml (3 C) | White Vinegar | 13 |
| 1 per student | Folders (optional) | 15 |
| 2 | Dolls | SBA 2 |
| Class set | Drawing materials | SBA 2 |
| Variety | Fabric | SBA 2 |
| Several bottles | Glue | SBA 2 |
| 1 piece per student | Modeling clay | SBA 2 |
| 1 pack | Pipe cleaners | SBA 2 |
| 1 pack | Straws | SBA 2 |
| 2 | Stuffed animals | SBA 2 |
| 2 | Toy cars | SBA 2 |
| 1 pack | Twist ties | SBA 2 |
| Several spools | Yarn, various colors | SBA 2 |
| 1 quarter sheet per student | Construction paper, colored | SBA 3 |
| At least one per group | Containers, various sizes and shapes | SBA 3 |
| 1 per group | Cups, plastic or paper, any size | SBA 3 |
| 1 bottle | Food coloring | SBA 4 |
| 3 per group | Glass cups, glass jars, or metal cans, 100-250 ml (3.5-8 oz) | SBA 4 |
| 1 | Portable ice chest with ice packs | SBA 4 |