In this reader students will learn about Earth's water including freshwater versus salt water, aquifers, use of irrigation by farmers and water conservation. To complete the lesson students will learn about watersheds and create their own simulation of how they are formed.
This teacher’s guide is broken into different sections with suggestions of how to use the reader in the classroom and provide ideas on how to extend the learning of your students.
There are six vocabulary words to be found throughout the reader. They are bolded with a small explanation to help define the word. Other ways to learn more about these words are:
Students will learn basic information about Earth’s water, that additional water can not be created and how water is used. This is also the introduction to irrigation and water conservation practices. For an additional activity have students go to Google Earth and look at the crop circles in Kansas. They will notice which part of the state does more irrigation based on where the crop circles are easily found.
In this section students will learn about the Ogallala Aquifer and how aquifers function. The farmer Bill video provides additional information to help them understand what an Aquifer is. Use the review and reflect questions to dig deeper into the topic.
This section provides an introduction to different types of practices used to conserve water. After reading this section and watching the videos students will be able to complete the Agriculture Water Conservation Practices worksheet. Answer Key
Using the QR code on the last page, students can access an online runoff simulation. The provided worksheet can be used to assist students with the activity. Students will use the simulation to construct different types of land development, coverages, and soil. They will have various questions to consider while working through the simulation which you can always expand upon.
Optional: Students can be prompted to compose their best land development and coverage proposal and present to the class or in small groups.
This Water Science Investigation explores watershed patterns and functions. Students will create their own landscapes using various items and draping the shower curtain over their setup. You can have students add additional materials such as small houses, sprinkles (as a sediment), or other items to show the movements created by the flowing water. There is a Shower Curtain Shed Worksheet provided that can help students through this activity.
Other Extensions
This lesson is the work product of the Kansas Corn Commission. Our lessons are written in collaboration with Kansas teachers for use in the classroom. Teachers may copy and share this curriculum. Use of this product for commercial or promotional use is prohibited without express permission of Kansas Corn.
As the need to produce more food with less resources grows, it is important that future generations have a better understanding of agriculture and how corn farming and agriculture fit into our daily lives. That’s why the Kansas Corn STEM program provides lessons to teach science through the lens of corn. We are committed to providing free materials and training to support educators.
