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Storm Drains (Introduction)

SUBJECTS Language Arts, Science, Social Studies
GRADE LEVEL Primary (K-3)
PLEDGE 1 - Protection of Water

Resources Needed:

  1. Link to the, Keeping Our Water Clean / SciShow Kids video

Introduction:

  1. Write ‘storm drain’ on the board. Ask students, What do you think a ‘storm drain’ is? If students are stuck, examine each word separately and then have them predict what a storm drain could be. Discuss in small groups then share as a class.
  2. Ask students: Have you seen storm drains before? Where? What did you notice? What is their purpose?

Lesson:

    1. Watch the video, Keeping Our Water Clean / SciShow Kids
    2. Use the following questions to engage students in discussions with a partner or in a small group: In the video, we were introduced to the word, impermeable. What did it mean? Can you think of any other surfaces that are impermeable? If impermeable means that a liquid can’t be soaked up, what would a permeable surface be able to do? Can you think of any examples?
    3. Another new word from the video is runoff. What does this word mean? Can you think of an example and try to use it in a sentence?
    4. What is the difference between a drain in your sink and a storm sewer? Where does the water end up in each case? Can you think of some things that can get washed down the storm drain? What are some of the dangers?

 

Follow Up Activities:

  1. Take students on a walk around the school to notice where there are storm sewers. Notice what sorts of pollutants are found on the streets that could get washed down the storm sewers. Bring supplies to help clean up any pollutants that could end up in the storm sewers.