Social EMotional Learning Activity

Community Water Systems

Overview

Water pollution occurs when harmful substances degrade the quality of water sources. Chemicals from harmful pesticides, herbicides, oil spills, toxic waste, sewage pipes and more can cause contamination in rivers, lakes, streams, reservoirs, and the ocean. Physical pollution from our trash and litter can also contaminate these same water sources, usually after a storm with heavy rain and high winds. Students will be taking a close look at images of water pollution, and explaining how the images make them feel.

Materials

  • Water pollution photos (see below)

  • Guiding Questions (see below)

Activity Duration:

  • 30 minutes

 

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Review and define water pollution, where it comes from, and why it is important.

  2. Put students in pairs or small groups.

  3. Observe Display the first images (accessible here) of water pollution on a screen. Have students look at the images and think to themselves quietly for about 30 seconds.

  4. Think, Pair, Share: Students then share their thoughts and feelings with their peers, and answer three questions:

    • What do you think is happening in this photo?

    • How does this photo make you feel?

    • Do you like this feeling? If not, what are some ideas you have to help this issue?

    • Bring the class back together and ask for three volunteers to share their answers.

  5. Show another image and repeat until you have showed the class all of the images.

 

Wrap-up

Have students freely share the most impactful images they saw and the strongest emotions they felt when looking at the images. What are some positive ideas they have to help water pollution? Are there simple things students can do every day to make positive changes?