Created byChristina Cameorn

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Water Works: Exploring the World of H2O

Grade 7Science1 days

This project challenges 7th-grade science students to explore the world of water through the lens of the particle model. Students investigate water properties, mixtures, and real-world water issues, developing solutions and considering their ethical, environmental, social, and economic impacts. They communicate their findings through various formats tailored to different audiences, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of water's importance.

Water PropertiesParticle ModelMixtures and SolutionsWater IssuesScientific SolutionsEthical ConsiderationsCommunication

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as scientists, utilize our understanding of the particle model of water and its properties to address contemporary water-related issues in the world and communicate our proposed solutions effectively while also considering ethical, environmental, social, and economic impacts?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

How can we use the particle model to explain the properties of water?
What are the differences between pure water and mixtures containing water?
How can understanding these differences help us separate mixtures and purify water?
What are some contemporary issues related to water in the world?
How can scientific and technological advancements address these issues?
What are the ethical, environmental, social, and economic impacts of these advancements?
How can we effectively communicate our understanding of water-related issues and their solutions to different audiences?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Students will be able to describe the arrangement and motion of particles in water using the particle model.

Australian Curriculum: Science

AC9S7U05

Primary

Use particle theory to describe the arrangement of particles in a substance, including the motion of and attraction between particles, and relate this to the properties of the substanceReason: This standard directly aligns with the learning goal of describing the particle arrangement and motion in water.

AC9S7U06

Primary

Use a particle model to describe differences between pure substances and mixtures and apply understanding of properties of substances to separate mixturesReason: This standard directly aligns with the learning goal of understanding pure substances vs. mixtures related to water.

AC9S7H03

Primary

Examine how proposed scientific responses to contemporary issues may impact on society and explore ethical, environmental, social and economic considerationsReason: This standard aligns with the project's focus on exploring the impacts of proposed solutions to water-related issues.

AC9S7I08

Primary

Write and create texts to communicate ideas, findings and arguments for specific purposes and audiences, including selection of appropriate language and text features, using digital tools as appropriateReason: This standard directly relates to the communication aspect of the project, where students will present their findings and solutions.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Escape the Water Cycle

Students explore a digital escape room centered around water's journey through the environment. Puzzles and challenges within the room require applying knowledge of water properties, states, and interactions within ecosystems.

The Water Box Mystery

Students encounter a mysterious, sealed box containing various water-related items (e.g., a dried-up sponge, a small plastic boat, a bag of salt, a wilted plant). They must hypothesize about the box's story, connecting the items to water's properties and roles.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

Water's Hidden World: A Particle Perspective

Students will explore the particle nature of water through interactive simulations and model building.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Engage with interactive simulations demonstrating particle behavior in different states of matter.

2. Construct a physical or digital model of water molecules in solid, liquid, and gaseous states.

3. Write detailed explanations describing the arrangement, motion, and attraction of water particles in each state, relating them to observable properties like density and fluidity.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA visual model (physical or digital) representing water particles in different states (solid, liquid, gas), accompanied by written explanations of particle arrangement, motion, and attraction in each state.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAC9S7U05 - Use particle theory to describe the arrangement of particles in a substance, including the motion of and attraction between particles, and relate this to the properties of the substance.

Activity 2

Mixture Masters: Separating Water Solutions

Students will investigate mixtures involving water and design methods for separating components based on their properties.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research and analyze different methods for separating mixtures (e.g., filtration, evaporation, distillation).

2. Design an experiment to separate a given water-based mixture (e.g., saltwater, sand and water).

3. Conduct the experiment, documenting observations and collecting data throughout the process.

4. Write a lab report explaining the chosen separation method, procedure, observations, and scientific reasoning based on particle properties and differences between pure substances and mixtures.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA lab report documenting the separation of a water-based mixture, including the chosen method, step-by-step procedure, observations, and scientific justification based on particle properties.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAC9S7U06 - Use a particle model to describe differences between pure substances and mixtures and apply understanding of properties of substances to separate mixtures.

Activity 3

Water Works: Sharing Our Knowledge

Students synthesize their learning from previous activities to create a communication piece about water-related issues.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Choose a target audience for their communication piece (e.g., general public, government officials, scientists).

2. Select an appropriate format (presentation, infographic, report) and digital tools.

3. Compile information from previous activities, including water properties, mixtures, related issues, and solutions.

4. Organize and present the information clearly, using appropriate language and visuals, tailored for the chosen audience.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA multimedia presentation, infographic, or written report communicating their understanding of water properties, mixtures, related issues, and solutions, tailored for a specific audience.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAC9S7I08 - Write and create texts to communicate ideas, findings and arguments for specific purposes and audiences, including selection of appropriate language and text features, using digital tools as appropriate.

Activity 4

Water Wise: Solving Global Challenges

Students will analyze a contemporary water-related issue and evaluate potential solutions, considering their broader impacts.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research a contemporary water issue (e.g., water scarcity, pollution, access to clean water).

2. Investigate existing and potential scientific/technological solutions to the chosen issue.

3. Analyze the ethical, environmental, social, and economic impacts of these solutions.

4. Prepare a presentation summarizing the issue, proposed solutions, and their analyzed impacts.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation analyzing a chosen water issue, proposed solutions, and their ethical, environmental, social, and economic impacts.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAC9S7H03 - Examine how proposed scientific responses to contemporary issues may impact on society and explore ethical, environmental, social and economic considerations.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Water in the World Portfolio Assessment Rubric

Category 1

Understanding Particle Theory in Water

Assessment of student understanding and application of particle theory in explaining the behavior and properties of water in different states.

Criterion 1

Particle Arrangement and Motion

Evaluate the student's ability to accurately describe particle arrangement, motion, and attraction in water.

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides a detailed and sophisticated description of particle arrangements and motions across different states, including innovative insights into particle attraction and its relationship to physical properties like density and fluidity.

Proficient

3 Points

Gives a thorough explanation of particle arrangement and motion in water, accurately relating these to states and physical properties.

Developing

2 Points

Offers a basic description of particle arrangements and motions, with limited connections to physical properties.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to describe particle arrangement and motion accurately, with little or no connection to physical properties.

Criterion 2

Model Construction and Use

Assessment of the model created to depict water molecules in different states and its accuracy in reflecting particle theory.

Exemplary

4 Points

Creates a highly accurate, innovative model using creative materials or digital tools that clearly represents particle arrangements and interactions in each state of water.

Proficient

3 Points

Constructs an accurate and clear model that correctly represents particle arrangements and interactions.

Developing

2 Points

Builds a model that shows some understanding of particle arrangements, with minor inaccuracies or omissions.

Beginning

1 Points

Produces an incomplete or inaccurate model that does not effectively represent particle theory.

Category 2

Mixture Separation Skills

Evaluation of understanding and application of methods to separate mixtures, and ability to document and justify the process based on particle properties.

Criterion 1

Experiment Design and Execution

Assessment of the design, procedure, and execution of a mixture separation experiment.

Exemplary

4 Points

Designs and executes a well-structured experiment with clear, detailed documentation and flawless execution, demonstrating a deep understanding of separation methods and particle properties.

Proficient

3 Points

Designs and performs a structured experiment, providing clear documentation and understanding of separation methods with consideration of particle properties.

Developing

2 Points

Designs and performs an experiment with some structure, but with inconsistencies in documentation and understanding of separation methods.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to design or execute an experiment, with minimal documentation and understanding of separation methods.

Criterion 2

Scientific Reasoning and Documentation

Evaluation of scientific reasoning used in explaining the separation method and ability to document observations and results.

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides insightful scientific reasoning and meticulously documented observations with comprehensive justification based on particle properties.

Proficient

3 Points

Offers clear scientific reasoning and well-documented observations with justified links to particle properties.

Developing

2 Points

Gives basic scientific reasoning with limited documentation and justification based on particle properties.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles with scientific reasoning, producing poorly documented and unjustified results.

Category 3

Communication and Audience Engagement

Assessment of skills in compiling, organizing, and presenting information about water properties and issues effectively for different audiences.

Criterion 1

Content Organization and Presentation

Evaluate how well information is compiled, organized, and tailored for a specific audience using chosen formats and tools.

Exemplary

4 Points

Creates a compelling and well-organized communication piece that thoroughly addresses the target audience using innovative formats and digital tools.

Proficient

3 Points

Compiles and organizes information in a clear and effective manner, suitable for the audience and format chosen.

Developing

2 Points

Presents content with some organization, showing an attempt to address the audience, but with inconsistencies.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles with content organization and clarity, showing minimal regard for audience considerations.

Category 4

Critical Analysis of Water-related Issues

Assessment of ability to analyze contemporary water issues and evaluate solutions considering ethical, environmental, social, and economic impacts.

Criterion 1

Issue Analysis and Solution Evaluation

Evaluation of the quality and depth of analysis regarding water-related issues and potential solutions.

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates in-depth analysis with a comprehensive evaluation of solutions considering all ethical, environmental, social, and economic aspects.

Proficient

3 Points

Provides thorough analysis and evaluation of solutions, considering most relevant ethical, environmental, social, and economic aspects.

Developing

2 Points

Analyzes issues with some evaluation of solutions, but limited in scope of considerations.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles with analyzing issues and evaluating solutions, showing minimal engagement with diverse considerations.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

Reflect on your learning journey throughout this project. How has your understanding of water, its properties, and its importance evolved?

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Question 2

How did the different project activities (particle models, mixture separation, solutions analysis, and communication piece) contribute to your overall understanding of the driving question?

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Question 3

What challenges did you encounter during this project, and how did you overcome them?

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Question 4

How effectively did you communicate your understanding of water-related issues and solutions in your chosen format?

Scale

Required