Module 5 - Keeping our Waterways Clean and Healthy

Module 5

Hi there, my name is Delta and I'm Eddy and Brooke's mum.
Today we're going to learn about Keeping our Waterways Clean and Healthy.

Delta Wade

Quick Links

 

Module Overview

Learning Elements

  1. What is litter and where does it come from?

  2. What happens to litter when it rains?

  3. Why is it important to look after our creeks and rivers?

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

Brooke Wade

Hi! My name is Brooke and I'd like to learn about litter with you.

Learning Element 1: What is litter and where does it come from?

Group discussion - Do you know what litter is? Where do you find litter?
Who do you think litters?

  • Resource for learning:  Module 5 Wade family video

Activity: What litter can you see?

  • Using prompt photos, children learn what litter looks like in familiar places and how it impacts on the environment. 

  • Resources for learning - photos of familiar places (educator sourced)

Activity: Recognising littering behaviour

Activity: What's the weather today?

  • Children create their own picture or painting showing today's weather

  • Resources for learning - A4/A3 paper, coloured pencils, paints, brushes, scissors

Murray Wade

 

Let's help Dad Murray find out where litter goes when it rains.

Learning Element 2: What happens to litter when it rains?

Group discussion - What happens to litter in the parks or on the streets when it rains? Where does it go and what impact does this have on the creeks and rivers?

  • Resource for learning -  Activity Sheet: Complete The Water Cycle; Support Resource: An Image of a Stormwater Drain

Activity: Creating a water catchment in the sandpit

  • Children do a hands-on outdoor activity learning what happens to 'litter' objects that find their way into waterways

  • Resources for learning - Sandpit, watering can, plastic toys as 'litter items'

Activity: How does litter effect water quality?

  • Children learn how litter and chemicals flowing into waterways can effect the water quality

  • Resources for learning - Blue paper or material, large clear jug or jar, food colouring (various colours), small containers or tubes.

Douglas Wade

Say 'hello' to Grandpa Douglas! He's joining us to learn how to look after creeks and rivers.

Learning Element 3: Why is it important to look after our creeks and rivers?

Group discussion - Why is it important that we look after our creeks and rivers? What colour is the water that comes out of the taps? How is water cleaned to make it safe for drinking?

  • Resources for learning - Educators may wish to revisit Module 3 Water In Bathurst, Learning Element 2 the journey of water from dam to tap. 

Activity: How do you clean water? Demonstrating a water filtration system

  • Children learn how to filter water using a simple process

  • Resources for learning - Two jugs of water, two buckets, coarse sand/pebbles, Lego blocks/leaves or similar (to represent dirt and rubbish)