Why is it important that some water be stored in ice or snowpacks? (See: http://www.proteacher.com/redirect.php?goto=5347) Explanation

Focuses on a particular aspect of experience and demonstrates conceptual understanding.

Questions: Does salt water act the same way as fresh water in the water cycle?

Activity: Place appropriate terms for water cycle in visual representation, as the one from the U.S. Geological Survey. (3 stage learning technique; identification, understanding, evaluation/explanation). See: http://www.proteacher.com/redirect.php?goto=5347

Elaboration

Challenge and extend conceptual understanding and skills through new, deeper, and broader activities.

Questions: What impact has civilization had on the water cycle? Are there dangers to irrigation or transforming arid areas into agriculutural areas? What about the polar ice caps?

Activities: Using gained knowledge, chart the amount of water it takes to grow a single hamburger, then research the number of burgers sold in your city; extrapolate to state, nation, etc. -- is this a good use of water?

Evaluation

Then, using a graphic organizer or table, chart the use of water in contemporary civilization (e.g. one family); extrapolate; leave a column open for long-term effects and issues. Finally, research and develop questions on the shortages of potable water and possible solutions.
Appendix A -- Water Cycle Teaching Diagram from U.S. Geological Survey

REFERENCES

The Water Cycle. (2009). Cited in: U.S. Geological Survey.

http://www.proteacher.com/redirect.php?goto=5347

Water Facts. (2011). Water.org. Cited in:

http://water.org/learn-about-the-water-crisis/facts/

Harman, R. (2005). The Water Cycle. Chicago, IL: Heinermann Library.

Wilkinson, D. (2007). Fundamental Processes in Ecology: An Earth Systems Approach.

New York: Oxford University Press.