5. Understand water pollution

Starter

Place a muddied glass of water on the front table in a clear glass. Ask the children to discuss what could cause the water to be unclear.

Main Teaching

Children learn what water pollution is and how humans contaminate water. They learn about several negative effects of water pollution. Children use the writing frame provided to create their own information text on the causes of water pollution and write a newspaper report which discusses a disaster scenario.

Careers Film: Dina Gillespie works for Thames Water as an Area Operations Manager.

Expert Film: Dina Gillespie from Thames Water covers how sewage water is treated.

Mission Assignment

Disaster!
Complete the table on the handout to explain the impacts of different kinds of water pollution.

Write a newspaper report on a natural disaster, such as an oil spill, that has affected the environment.

Challenge Task: Discuss and identify what steps can be taken to avoid the disaster in the first place.