Water: our essential resource

I can explain why water is a precious resource and identify some of the threats to its availability and distribution.

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Year 5

Water: our essential resource

I can explain why water is a precious resource and identify some of the threats to its availability and distribution.

Download all resources

Share activities with pupils

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Lesson details

Key learning points

Water resources across the world are unequal and influenced by patterns of climate.
Global water use varies and is linked to latitude, climate, and amount of agriculture and industry in a place.
Our use of water must be sustainable.
Existing water resources are becoming increasingly polluted through human activity.

Keywords

Fresh water - Fresh water is water that is not salty.
Reservoir - A reservoir is an artificial lake made by humans to store water.
Water supply - Water supply means the water from lakes, rivers and reservoirs that is carried by pipes to homes and businesses for daily use.
Sustainable - Using a resource in a way that ensures there will be enough left for future generations.

Common misconception

That water originates from pipes or taps.

All water is a natural resource and originates from bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs.

Look into the average water usage for every day activities such as brushing teeth, having a shower to highlight how children and families can reduce their water usage.