VIDEO

VIDEO

How Do We Clean Water?

How Do We Clean Water?

Watch this brief, video picture of practice that captures everyday classroom life and provides real-life examples of how students learn and think about freshwater topics.

Grades

3 - 8

Subjects

Earth Science

Teaching about water treatment can be a challenge. Municipal water treatment facilities are far removed from students' everyday lives, so the idea that water is already treated before it enters their house may come as a surprise to students. Students have ideas about what makes water clean and how this happens, and they have basic rules they use to decide if water is clean enough to drink. For example, students may think that if water looks clean, or is clear, they can drink the water. Other students may think that all water must be filtered before it can be used for drinking. Today, many students have experiences with home filtration systems on their faucets or via pitchers. Few students actually know how these work, let alone how water treatment and filtration occur at larger scales. They may realize that sewage is treated at some point, but may not readily identify drinking-water treatment. In addition, the materials used to filter water may surprise students, especially materials such as charcoal. Discussing home filtration and large-scale drinking-water treatment and sewage treatment can help students better understand the different types of treatment we use on our water.

Watch this video of 6th grade students in San Diego, California—a coastal community. The purpose of this classroom video is to see students discuss water treatment as they design and build water filters.

Media Credits

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Writers
Ari J. Posner, M.S. Urban Planning
Beth A. Covitt, Ph.D. Environmental Education and Conservation Psychology
Tania T. Hinojosa, M.Ed. Educational Technology
Jose Marcos-Iga, Ph.D. Natural Resources
Marcia S. Matz, M.A. Design
Tara G. Treiber, B.A. Natural Sciences: Ecology
Sandra Postel, National Geographic Fellow
Abraham Miller-Rushing, Ph.D. Biology
Anica Miller-Rushing, M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction
Lindsey Mohan, Ph.D. Educational Psychology and Technology
Designer
Cindy Olson
Editors
Kristen Dell, National Geographic Society
Lindsey Mohan, Ph.D.
Chelsea Zillmer
Educator Reviewers
Catie Boarts, Heal the Bay
Beth A. Covitt, University of Montana
Jenny D. Ingber
Meghan E. Marrero, New York State Marine Education
Marcia S. Matz
Sandra Postel, National Geographic Fellow
other
Last Updated

December 21, 2023

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