Splash! Grant Topics | WaterMatters.org

Topic 1: Water Cycle Basics

Learning Concepts:

Water exists in three different states – liquid, solid and gas.
Water is constantly in motion through a process called the water cycle.
The major parts of the water cycle include solar energy, evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, and percolation.
The water cycle plays an important role in weather events, such hurricanes, flooding, and droughts.
The water cycle impacts our fresh water supply and the amount of water available for wildlife.

Sample Activity Ideas:

Use a water cycle model to observe the water cycle in action.
Create a water cycle in a bag using the activity guide here.
Conduct water cycle experiments to observe water as it changes different states of matter.
Write a book or play following a water drop on its journey through the water cycle.
Invite a guest presenter, such as Mad Science, to lead students in hands-on explorations all about water!

Learning Concepts:

An ecosystem is a community of microbes, plants, and animals (including humans) that interact with one another and with the physical environment in which they live. Water connects all types of ecosystems.
There are many different types of freshwater habitats in Florida.
Plants need water and adequate sunlight to grow.
Hydrology and soils determine the kinds of plants that grow in specific locations.
Invasive species can negatively impact freshwater ecosystems and overtake natural habitats.

Sample Activity Ideas:

Participate in an off-site field study or educational program focused on freshwater or estuarian ecosystems. View a list of previously approved field study programs here.
Create a model freshwater ecosystem in the classroom.
Visit a wetland or create a model wetland to explore the many ecosystem services wetlands provide.
Research and present on a nearby freshwater habitat, including the plants and animals found there, recreational uses, significant historical facts, water quality concerns and/or restoration efforts.
Explore and discuss native species verse invasive plant species. Work with a local park or non-profit to have students assist with invasive species removal or native plantings at a nearby water habitat.

Learning Concepts:

Water quality is a description of the condition of water. It can refer to the chemical, physical and biological condition of water, as well as whether water is safe to be used for a specific purpose.
Scientists use different types of equipment and tests to measure water quality.
Pollution comes from many sources, and pollution on the land’s surface can end up in our groundwater and surface waters.
A watershed is an area of land that water flows across as it moves toward a common body of water, such as a stream, river, lake or coast.
A spring is only as healthy as its springshed, which is the area of land that contributes water to a spring.
We all live in a watershed and everything we do can affect the quality of our water.
Florida-Friendly Landscaping^TM practices can help to protect water quality.

Sample Activity Ideas:

Test various water quality parameters and conduct a macroinvertebrate sampling at a local waterway or by using different water samples in the classroom.
Use a model, such as an EnviroScape®, to observe how stormwater runoff moves over the land and can bring various pollutants into our waterways.
Participate in an off-site field study or educational program focused on water quality. View a list of previously approved field study programs here.
Visit a wetland or create a model wetland to explore how this ecosystem helps protect nearby water.
Explore a virtual watershed through one of the District’s Virtual Watershed Excursions available here.
Invite a local UF/IFAS extension agent to talk with students about how Florida-Friendly Landscaping^TM practices can help protect water quality.

Learning Concepts:

Traditional sources of freshwater in Florida include groundwater and surface water.
Most of our fresh water supply in west-central Florida comes from groundwater. Groundwater is replenished by rainfall as water circulates through the water cycle.
Florida’s future depends on a continued adequate supply of fresh water for human consumption and natural systems.
To conserve water means to use it wisely and not be wasteful.
Different irrigation and gardening methods use various amounts of water. Florida-Friendly Landscaping^TM practices require less water and help conserve water.
Alternative water supplies use nontraditional sources of water to meet a community’s fresh water needs and reduce pressure on groundwater and surface waters.

Sample Activity Ideas:

Create or use an existing garden/landscape area to learn about how different growing techniques and irrigation practices use various amounts of water.
Invite a local UF/IFAS extension agent to talk with students about how Florida-Friendly Landscaping^TM practices require less water and can help conserve our water supply.
Implement a classroom or community awareness campaign led by students focused on the importance of water conservation and water conserving practices.
Conduct a school water use evaluation and/or at-home water use evaluation.
Research alternative water supply options, such as reusing wastewater or desalination.
Visit a desalination or reclaimed water treatment plant.
Complete one or more of the District’s hands-on activities focused on water use and conservation found here, or take the Classroom Conservation Challenge.