Creative Classroom Activities to Spark Interest in Water Conservation

Water conservation is one of those subjects best taught in a hands-on environment. The concept of water scarcity can be difficult to grasp, especially for kids. With the right activities, you can help make this issue come alive for your students and develop a love of the earth and its resources. Check out these creative ideas to help your students feel more confident in taking part in water conservation efforts. 

Conservation Observation 

The first step in becoming an advocate for water preservation is understanding the water cycle. These ideas can help students visualize the process and understand what happens to water at different stages. 

Water Cycle in a Bag: 

Create a mini water cycle using a ziplock bag, water, blue food coloring, and a sunny window. Use a permanent marker to draw the sun, clouds, and ground on the outside of the Ziploc bag. This will help the kids visualize the different parts of the water cycle. Fill the Ziploc bag with about 1/4 cup of water. Add a few drops of the food coloring to make the water more visible.

Tape the sealed bag to a sunny window. Make sure it's securely attached and in a place with plenty of sunlight. Over the next few days, have students observe the changes inside the bag. They’ll see the water evaporate, condense on the sides of the bag, and eventually precipitate back down.

DIY Rain Gauge: 

Make a rain gauge using a clean, clear plastic bottle. Cut off the top third of the bottle and use the ruler and marker to draw a scale on the side, marking every centimeter or half-inch. Place small stones or pebbles in the bottom for stability. Invert the cut-off top part into the bottom part to form a funnel. Place the gauge in an open area on a flat surface. Observe and discuss daily rainfall to help students understand precipitation patterns.

Recording Conservation 

Writing about water conservation can help students internalize what they’re learning. These three unique ideas are the perfect chance to learn and teach these principles. 

Water Conservation Poster: 

Have kids design posters with tips on saving water. Encourage creativity, but have them include a fact or two as well. Display these around the school to promote awareness.

Water Footprint Calculator: 

Use an online water footprint calculator to determine how much water is used in everyday activities. Discuss ways to reduce it. You can send home physical water worksheets for students to complete with their families. 

Create a Water Diary:

Have students track daily water usage for a week and discuss patterns and ways to reduce unnecessary consumption. As they pay closer attention, they’ll be more aware of the water they’re using. 

Conservation in Action 

If you want students to feel comfortable taking steps towards water conservation in their own lives, show them how to participate!

Interactive Water Conservation Map: 

Create a map of the local area and mark places where water is used, such as parks, pools, and rivers. Discuss ways to conserve water in these places. Have students send in their ideas to your local government. 

DIY Drip Irrigation: 

Make a simple drip irrigation system for plants using a plastic bottle. This teaches kids about efficient water use in gardening. Start with a clean plastic bottle. Use a needle or small nail to make 3-5 tiny holes in the bottle cap. These will allow the water to drip out slowly. Use scissors or a utility knife to cut off the bottom of the bottle. This will make it easier to fill with water and will also help to anchor the bottle in the soil.

Dig a small hole next to your plant, deep enough to bury the bottle about halfway. Place the bottle upside down in the hole, with the cap end buried in the soil and the open bottom facing up. Fill the bottle with water. The water will slowly drip out through the holes in the cap, providing a steady supply of moisture to the plant roots.

Gardening with Greywater: 

Teach kids about greywater by using water from baths or sinks (with biodegradable soap) to water plants. In the classroom, catch water from your sink to care for class plants. 

Making a Change

With all these ideas, remember that the goal is to help empower students to take these concepts outside of the classroom. Encourage students to find their own ways to make a difference in their schools, homes, and communities. 

Written by Rachel Jones
Education World Contributor
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