Note: March 22nd falls on a Sunday in 2020, so you may want to celebrate and participate in the activity bursts during the week leading up to or following the actual date.
World Water Day is all about recognizing the value of water for survival.
In addition to the main World Water Day site linked above, an excellent site related to water conservation that provides many activities, games and challenges for kids of all ages can be found here. You may also want to search online for events and initiatives in your area.
March 22nd 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 22nd to be World Water Day. The theme for World Water Day 2020 is “Water and Climate Change.” The focus is on the close link between water and climate change and how by adapting to the effects of climate change and using water more efficiently, we can protect health and change lives.
Did you know:
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.
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:
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!
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:
Kid Science: Make a Mini Water Filter Video
How to clean dirty water with a shoelace Video
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!
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.
