Science
SCI.V.2.1
Grade: 6
Strand V:
Using Scientific Knowledge in Earth Science
Standard 2:
Hydrosphere - All students will describe the characteristics of water and
demonstrate where water is found on earth
Benchmark 1:
Use maps of the earth to locate water in its various forms and describe
conditions under which they exist.
Constructing and Reflecting:
SCI.I.1.1 - Generate scientific questions about the world based on observation.
SCI.I.1.3 - Use tools and equipment appropriate to scientific investigations.
SCI.I.1.5 – Use sources of information in support of scientific investigations.
SCI.II.1.1 - Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of claims, arguments, or data.
SCI.II.1.2 - Describe limitations in personal knowledge.
SCI.II.1.5 - Develop an awareness of and sensitivity to the natural world.
Vocabulary / Key Concepts
Context
Liquid water forms:
• lakes
• rivers
• oceans
• springs
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Frozen water forms:
• continental glacier
• valley glacier
• snow on mountains
• polar cap
Examples of frozen water:
• Snow
• glaciers
• icebergs
• polar regions
• frozen Great Lakes shorelines
Gaseous water:
• Atmosphere
Tools:
• relief and elevation maps
• satellite images
local lakes
rivers
streams
ponds
springs
Knowledge and Skills
The student will use a variety of maps such as
relief, weather, topographic, surface feature, and
satellite images to locate, interpret, and discuss
water existing in its various conditions as a liquid,
solid, or gas.
Resources
Coloma Resources:
Stream table simulator
Raised Relief Maps of US
Relief Maps of US & Michigan
Other Resources:
• National Atlas of the United States
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Landform Identification - Cerritos College
Department of Earth Science On-Line
Tutorial Center
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Topozone – topographic maps
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ENC – Science topics – Water – AWESOME
group of lessons and activities – make this
an entire unit or a one day lesson.
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ReachOut Michigan – activities and lessons
in Earth Science – Middle School –
Excellent!
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National Geographic – Maps and Geography
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National Geographic – Map Links – Maps,
Atlases and Globes
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Michigan Teacher Network Resources
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BCISD – Classroom resources – Earth
Science – Hydrosphere – excellent group of
resources!
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USGS – Explorers – Water - AWESOME –
read the intro and dive into TONS of info !
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Science Explosion: Hydrosphere
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Science Lakes Video – Hilger Production
6th Grade Science Curriculum
Technology Resources
V.2.MS.1 Use maps of the earth to locate water
in its various forms and describe conditions
under which they exist.
Instruction
Assessment
Focus Question: What is the relationship
between latitude and elevation on the forms
that water takes on the earth’s surface?
Optional Assessment
As a group, choose a continent. Obtain maps
and references for one of the continental
regions. Students should consider surface
Students use a variety of maps to locate where
maps, relief maps, an almanac and internet
various forms of water occur on the earth’s surface sites. (SEE RESOURCES).
in solid, liquid, and gas states. Students make a
data chart listing the examples and the state of
Students research to find the elevation of the
snow line for each mountain chain, rivers that
matter of each example. Students will discuss
where each form of water exists. Students will
flow, major bodies of water (if applicable).
graphically show relationships between the form
that water takes and its location based on latitude Students develop a data chart listing the solid
and elevation.
and liquid forms of water. Students place 10
different surface area features on the chart
Students should conclude that water in its solid
according to the form of water found. In an
state is found at higher elevations and higher
essay, discuss the role that latitude and
latitudes. Water in its liquid state is found at lower elevation play in the form that water takes
elevations and lower latitudes nearer the equator. across the continent’s region.
Note: Half of Michigan’s residents get their water
through groundwater. Ground water should be
included in instruction of this benchmark.
Scoring Rubric (Give students rubric before activity.)
Criteria: Completeness of chart:
Apprentice - Lists five or fewer surface
features.
Basic - Lists six to eight surface features and
places up to six correctly on the data chart.
Meets - Lists nine surface features with at least
eight placed correctly on the data chart.
Exceeds - Lists ten or more surface features
with ten placed correctly on the data chart.
Criteria: Accuracy of essay:
Apprentice - Writes an incomplete essay to
address the issue of latitude and/or elevation
about the form that water takes on this
continent.
Basic - Writes an essay that correctly
addresses a few of the connections between
elevation, latitude, and the forms of water that
are found in this region of the continent.
Meets - Writes an essay that correctly
addresses many of the connections between
elevation, latitude, and the forms of water that
are found in this region of the continent.
Exceeds - Writes an essay that correctly
addresses all of the connections between
elevation, latitude, and the forms of water that
are found in this region of the continent.
Teacher Notes:
Various types of maps are used to locate the sources of water on the Earth in its solid and liquid forms. Water
can be traced in Michigan from its source to sea level, and the water cycle can be used to explain how water
returns from the oceans to Michigan. Much of our water supply is located below the surface in ground water
deposits, which are replenished by rain that soaks into the ground. Ground water and surface water can be
polluted by human activities. “Fresh water, limited in supply, is essential for life and also for most industrial
processes. Rivers, lakes, and groundwater can be depleted or polluted, becoming unavailable or unsuitable for
life.” (BSL)
Focus Question
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How do various maps identify the source of water above and below the Earth in all forms?