What's the Worth of Water? Kids Decide

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"When the well's dry, we know the worth of water," wrote Benjamin Franklin, one of our nation's founders, in 1746.

Judging from a recent Environmental Report Card poll, kids share Franklin's view of this precious resource. However, poll results revealed that kids were unsure if environmental issues about water were "extremely important" or whether "other issues are more important" to them. Nearly equal numbers of voters expressed these two views.

Safeguarding water quality and ensuring there will be enough fresh water for people's needs are both challenges that governments around the world must face. Many people point to population growth as a major influence on both the quality and the quantity of fresh water supplies. Others point to climate change as the major culprit behind reductions to the planet's already limited drinking water reserves.

What about the planet's salt water? In a previous Kids' Environmental Report Card poll on ocean life, pollution received more votes than the three other threats — global warming, overfishing, and ship and boat traffic — combined.

Small Steps, Big Savings

Without question, major steps must be taken to conserve the world's precious water resources. However, many smaller steps will also make a big difference over time. As "warrior-cat-hp" suggested on Scholastic's Save the Planet bulletin board:

"So instead of throwing away extra water... pour it in a pitcher. After a while, the pitcher will get full and you can pour it on your plants. If you don't grow plants, give it to your dog. If you don't have a dog, make something with it, like tea. If everyone started doing this, we could save a ton of water (or more)."

Such forward thinking would've certainly made Benjamin Franklin proud.

Helping Children Explore & Protect Our Planet
Sprung discusses several ways to introduce children to the issues of ecology and conservation. During the early childhood years, teachers should provide children with a learning environment that fosters a love of nature and a commitment to preserving the Earth's precious natural resources. For more information and suggested readings, click on the links to "Home-School Connection" and "Resources."

Global Warming: Doing Something Is Better Than Nothing | Kids' Environmental Report Card 2008
What are kids willing to do to help stop global warming? Some things, but not everything according to recent poll results.

Earth Day
Earth Day is a global holiday that celebrates our planet's environment. Every year on April 22, people host different events to remember the Earth. But Earth Day is not just about appreciating the environment's about preserving it as well.

LESSON PLAN

Climate Change Students will read about factors that can impact Earth's climate and demonstrate understanding by answering reading comprehension questions.