March 22^nd - World Water Day

World Water Day is all about recognizing the value of water for survival.

An excellent site related to water conservation that provides many activities, games and challenges for kids of all ages can be found here.

March 22^nd is World Water Day. Designed to draw attention to the importance of providing clean fresh water to everyone in the world, this day was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. In March 1993, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 22^nd to be World Water Day. The theme for World Water Day 2018 is “Nature for Water” – exploring nature-based solutions to the water challenges we face in today’s world.

Did you know:

• 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered with water but only 1% is fit for human use?
• 3.5 million people die every year because of water hygiene related illness?
• Freshwater animals are disappearing five times faster than land animals?
• Every day, about 2 million tons of waste is disposed of in water?
• A running toilet can waste up to two gallons (9 litres) of water each day?
• Leaving the tap on while brushing your teeth can waste up to 4 gallons of water?
• A tap that drips once per second wastes 30 litres of water daily?

Watch a video on World Water Day 2017 Facts found here.

Visit our Literacy in Action page to view “Water Wise” and other resources directly related to this topic.

(K-2) The Arts, Language

Invite students to help you create a mind map of all the things we use water for. Post.

Ask: Do you think everybody in the world uses water the same way we do? Prompt them to consider other parts of the world where the geography is quite different. Discuss as well the impact of industry and agriculture. 

Explain that in some parts of the world, safe, clean water is not available close to home. In fact, in some places, women and children have to walk for many kilometres every day to find water for their families. And often the water they do find is polluted or dirty from animal waste and bacteria that can make their families very sick.

Explain that we are lucky to have safe, clean water, but that sometimes we waste water without thinking about it. Ask students to share any ways that they know to help save water in their homes, schools, and communities. For example:

• Using a cup of water to brush their teeth instead of leaving the tap on.
• Checking all the taps in the house to make sure they are not leaking.
• Taking just enough water to drink without wasting.
• Having short showers instead of baths.

Invite students to do their part by making a poster or mural (alone or in pairs) that tells people to save water by doing one (or all) of the things on the list. The title of their poster could be as simple as “SAVE WATER!”

Post students’ work in the hall to celebrate World Water Day!

(3-5) Science

As a class, discuss the information in the Introduction and invite students to share their prior learning regarding the importance of a clean water supply. 

Engage students in constructing a simple water filter and watch dirty water become crystal clear! Here are some links that will help you:

Water Filter Science Activity 

Kid Science: Make a Mini Water Filter Video

How to clean dirty water with a shoelace Video

Alternate Activity

Drama, Language

Create a short play about the importance of water and what you can do at home, at school and in your community to help to conserve it. Share in an assembly!

(6-8) Research, The Arts, Critical Thinking

Make several copies of the water usage facts provided on the Waterloo Wellington Children’s Groundwater Festival site found here.

Divide students into small groups and ask them to review the information and select up to 5 facts that interest them. Their task is to present these facts to their classmates in a manner that will serve as a call to action for positive change. They may use any presentation style (PowerPoint, poster, advertisement, testimonials, etc.).

Encourage additional research and creativity. Each presentation must present the facts and some possible solutions for change.

Share with the class and consider extending the viewing audience to include parents, community leaders, or the media. 

Special Days This Month