Merry Ostheimer

Synopsis

Water is life! It's everywhere! Water moves inside our planet, washes across Earth's surface, and floats in the atmosphere above us. Water is vital to all living things but sometimes clean, safe drinking water is scarce. What if you could draw water right from the air? Can you build a self-sustaining device that collects water ready to drink? This curriculum unit will trigger curiosity by investigating the unique properties of water and its place in the hydrologic cycle. The intended audience of this unit is elementary students in grades two and three. By the end of this unit, students will understand the hydrological cycle deeply enough that they will be able design and implement strategies to catch water that is in the air. This unit will be taught in a pedagogical manner that fosters asking questions, using hands-on learning, interacting collaboratively, thinking reflectively, and researching to extend and enhance understanding.