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Salt Water and Freshwater Distribution on Earth
https://kera.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/buac17-35-sci-ess-waterdistribute/saltwater-and-freshwater-distribution-on-earth/

LearningMedia, Public Broadcasting Service

These two visuals illustrate quantities of freshwater vs saltwater availability worldwide through graphs and charts. There are resources included that support conversations around the graphics. These graphics are part of a larger collection of resources titled "Climate Change Impacts and Solutions: Drought".

Learn more about Teaching Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness»


Grade Level

Online Readiness

Topics

Climate Literacy

This Static Visualization builds on the following concepts of Climate Literacy.

Click a topic below for supporting information, teaching ideas, and sample activities.

Notes From Our Reviewers The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials
Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy | Technical Details

Teaching Tips

  • Some ideas for extending this activity include: Use cups/bowls (some type of container) to illustrate freshwater/saltwater. Make graphs comparing sources of freshwater. Look at the average amount of water used for basic activities (brushing teeth, showering, cooking, gardening, etc.) over the course of one year/over the course of 50 years to determine how much water on average humans use per year/per x amount of years. Compare to the total amount of water available.

About the Content

  • The idea of this resource is to show the amount, location, and character (fresh or saltwater) of water on the Earth.
  • It provides sound information that is tangible and age-appropriate. Information is based on NASA data.
  • Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.

About the Pedagogy

  • These resources can be used to support a small or whole group lesson, depending on the classroom's size and the student's level.
  • No prerequisites are needed, however, these graphics are part of a larger unit on drought, which is also accessible on the website.
  • The teacher/student view is a useful feature of the lesson. The teacher's guide is also useful and provides clear instruction on how to implement the graphics and ways to engage students.
  • The support material for teachers includes important discussion points and exercises that activate prior knowledge and help to further illustrate the concepts.
  • The visuals are clear and well-designed.

Technical Details/Ease of Use

  • No cost associated with graphics, can download resources for free.
  • Requires an initial PBS account set up and/or a Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Google account for social sharing. More user-friendly with a Google Classroom account.
  • Easy to use graphics and minimal prep time needed, no additional materials needed but could use for activity extension.
  • Offered in Spanish as well.
  • Resources are higher quality and include more information once downloaded.
  • Related links are working and of high quality.
Entered the Collection: March 2023 Last Reviewed: July 2022

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