Description

Water dominates the surface of our planet, changes the face of the land, and defines life. Weather is driven by the Sun and involves the movement of water on Earth through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff. Severe weather might bring floods that impact people and natural ecosystems. Climate is determined in part by the amount of precipitation in a region and by temperature range. Humans depend on water, and new technologies are being engineered to conserve and protect this natural resource to provide for the needs of people around the world.

Student engagement with the ideas in the Water and Climate Module are driven by several anchor phenomena. Students explore the properties of water and interactions between water and other earth materials. They investigate these phenomena:

• Anchor phenomenon 1—schoolyard puddles
• Anchor phenomenon 2—unexpected gardening weather
• Anchor phenomenon 3—extreme rain
• Anchor phenomenon 4—unusual seasonal weather

Students engage in science and engineering practices as they investigate the role of water in weather and how weather conditions change around the world and throughout the year while exploring the crosscutting concepts of patterns; cause and effect; and scale, proportion, and quantity. They are introduced to the nature of science, how science affects everyday life, and the influence of engineering, technology, and science on society and the natural world.