Module 2 - How do we use Water?

Module 2

Hi there, I'm Brooke. Today we're going to learn about 
How we use water

Brooke Wade

Quick Links 
Module Overview
Learning Elements
  1. Water in our world: Where do we find water in nature?

  2. How do we use water at home and in our environment?

  3. How do we use water at work?

Each learning element contains one or more: guided group discussion and activities. The delivery of the learning elements is supported by a range of specially designed fun activities sheets and  support resources.

This web page offers a brief experience of this module and it's learning elements.

The downloadable version of the module program contains more detailed information including:

  • Alignments to the Early Years Learning Framework

  • Key terms

  • Background information

  • Links to additional support resources, links and materials

Module Content

Eddy Wade

Hi I'm Eddy! Do you know how many ways we use water? Let's find out more together! 

Learning Element 1: Water in our world: Where do we find water in nature?

Group discussion - How much of the Earth is covered in water? What types of water can we find? What do humans, animals and birds use water for?

  • Resource for learning - Support Resource: World Map with Oceans; or other world globe or large poster of world map

Activity: How do animals and birds use water?

  • Children learn to recognise some of the ways animals and birds use water in different environments.

  • Resources for learning - Activity Sheet: Water in the Environment Matching Cards (print double sided and laminate and cut out) Support Resource: World Map with Oceans

Activity: Personal experiences with water

  • Children share their memories and experiences with different bodies of water - holidays at the beach, fishing in rivers, playing in pool.

  • Resources for learning - A4 paper, coloured pencils and pens

Coral Wade

I wonder if you can guess how many ways Grandma Coral uses water each day?

Learning Element 2: How do we use water at home and in our learning environment?

Group discussion - Discuss all the different ways water is used around your learning environment and at home, for health, hygiene and pleasure.

  • Resource for learning -  Video: Module 2 The Wade Family - How Do We Use Water

Activity: What we use water for

  • Children use the fun activity sheets to observe and learn how water is used inside and outside our homes

  • Resources for learning - Activity Sheets: Water Use Flash Cards, Water Use At Home, Wade Family Indoors, Wade Family Outdoors; Video: Module 2 The Wade Family - How Do We Use Water?; coloured pencils

Activity: Water use through mime

  • Children take turns miming various uses for water at home, while others try to guess what is being mimed

Activity: 'Water Discovery Walk'

  • Children go on a walk around their learning environment and discover the many ways water is used.  

  • Resources for learning - Activity Sheets: Water Discovery Walk

Douglas Wade

Grandpa Douglas is so old that he knows lots of things! I wonder what he knows about how water is used at work.

Learning Element 3: How do we use water at work?

Group discussion - How is water used in different places of work, such as in manufacturing (factories) or agriculture (farming)? What impacts do drought and water restrictions have on water?

  •  Children learn about different work-places that use water - farms, factories, fire-stations, schools

Activity: Old MacDonald had a farm....but it didn't rain!

  • Children learn to recognise wet and dry environments, the colours associated with each, the feel of wet materials and dry materials, and see how water helps seeds germinate/grow

  • Resources for learning - Support Resources: Dry Environment, Wet Environment; small pots or containers, name labels, kitchen towel, cotton wool, cress seeds, spray water bottle

Activity: What goes into a bottle of water?

  • Children learn what is involved in manufacturing a bottle of water, and how water is used to produce other items e.g. clothing, cars, toys etc

  • Resources for learning - Support Resources: Plastic Bottle Impact; optional book The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle