Lesson IV: Water Properties Introduction Looking at water, you might think that it's the most simple thing around. Pure water is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. But it's not at all simple and plain and it is vital for all life on Earth. Where there is water there is life, and where water is scarce, life has to struggle or just "throw in the towel." So what is it about water that makes it so important to us? And what is it about water that makes it water? This lesson explores the physical and chemical properties of water and why water is so critical to living things. Objectives: Students will demonstrate accurate responses to the following questions: What are the physical properties of water that make it so unique and necessary for living things? What are the chemical properties of water that make it so unique and necessary for living things? What is the significance of water to the human body? What is capillary action and why is it important? Students will develop and share related k-6 lesson. Activities: Students will take the quiz on the website http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/waterproperties.html and discuss their responses. In cooperative learning groups students will present findings from the following: Students will study research and discuss the following website: http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/waterproperties.html. Students research and discuss the information on the website http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/propertyyou.html Students will research and discuss the information on the website http://water.usgs.gov/droplet/characteristics.html Students will develop and share related k-6 lesson plans. [Return to Home Page]