Water Water Everywhere

Living in Florida means being around an immense amount of water. During the summer we want to be in the water all the time. But for many kids they have not learned how dangerous water can be. One of our 1st grade science standards is how to be safe in and around water. Last week we learned about all the different places we are in or near water such as pools, oceans, ponds, lakes, rivers, and waterparks. At the beginning of our unit, we brainstormed all we knew about water...which to be honest...wasn't very much. Then we watched a great video that sang a song about water and how we need to be safe in and around water. As a follow up to that, students explored different types of water scenarios and recorded how to be safe around that water location. Each group was asked to present their posters. When we finished, we discussed how each area may have different things that we need to be aware of and that no matter what there are certain rules we always must follow to be safe. The kids not only learned valuable information that may save them or someone else, but enjoyed learning how to teach others about water safety as well. I hope that this information will be a lifelong unit for them.