All water on Earth could be regarded as a renewable resource if it is replenished by nature.

Freshwater, upon which we rely on for drinking water, may be another story if we use it faster than nature can replenish it.

In the previous learning experience we talked about the value of water. How we see water in the world around us in art, music, and poetry. Today we will talk about how we use water and how important it is for all living things. Water is one of our most precious (and shared!) resources on the planet, upon which our life and the life of all living things depend. Is there an unlimited supply of clean, safe and reliable drinking water accessible to all and all the time? This Learning Experience will “unpack” that very question.

• Turn and talk to discuss the guiding question:
  • What does renewable mean? Nonrenewable? Solicit examples.
  • Is water a renewable or nonrenewable resource?
• Ask students to share some examples (sunlight, wind, plants, tides) .Water is a natural resource.Is water a renewable or nonrenewable resource?

The slide deck will open a discussion of the concept of renewable and non-renewable. Have students suggest examples of things that fit both categories.

Review the natural water cycle diagram to see how water moves through the phases of condensation, precipitation, storm water runoff, infiltration, percolation, groundwater recharge and flow, plant uptake and transpiration, and evaporation. It is one continuous loop.

Review  and share the following definitions.

• Renewable resource (noun) a natural material or substance that can replenish itself at a similar rate to its use by people.
• Non-renewable resource (noun) a natural material or substance that cannot be replenished relative to the human life span
• Natural resource (noun) a material or substance such as minerals forests, water and fertile land that occur in nature and can be used to support other living beings

Ask them, what do they think? Is water a renewable resource?  This is an important question. Students may see rain as evidence that rain is renewed/replaced. Looking back at the natural water cycle, they may come to understand that, based on these definitions, water may qualify as a renewable natural resource; it cycles through the earth, sky and ground.

But it is important for students to understand that we cannot make new water on the planet and it is reused over and over forever. Water in the water cycle naturally replenishes itself and we can observe and experience that (at a rate used by people?)

Turn and talk prompt:

How do humans use water? If students completed the Water Usage Chart from the previous learning experience, have them use that as a reference.

Where does their water come from (do they know the source?) How quickly is used ? Is it always available?

Ask students to consider that water (including freshwater for drinking, agriculture and/or energy) may be both a renewable and non-renewable resource, depending on the source and rate of use (also climate!)

Have students consider if people should change the way they use freshwater resources.

Students make a poster , slide deck or info-graphic to show all the ways this natural resource (water) supports our lives  (e.g. grows our food, keeps us clean, contributes to our fun, powers our electricity, etc). Students may want to include ways that people can help preserve water and use it more sustainably.