THE

HYDROSPHERE
ISABELLE, MORIAH,
JULIET & TIA 

WHAT IS THE HYDROSPHERE

There are four interconnected spheres in the Earth's system and the hydrosphere is one of them. The
others include the 'geosphere' or 'lithosphere' (soil earth), the atmosphere (gases in the earth) and the
'biosphere' (all life)

Hydrosphere refers to the layer of a planet that comprises water. It is said to have originated from the
Greek words that mean 'water' and 'sphere'.

Earth's hydrosphere includes the water on its surface such as

oceans, lakes, ponds, river, seas, and streams. It includes under
ground water that is in the wells and aquifers, as well as water
vapor which is present in the form of clouds and fog.

This layer is said to cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE HYDROSPHERE

The hydrologic cycle is an important feature of all ecosystems. There is no life with out water
as it is home to a variety of plants, animals, and other living organisms and is absolutely
necessary for their existence.
The abundance of water that is present on the Earth distinguishes it from the other planets that
exist in the solar system.

TEACHING THE HYDROSPHERE IN PRIMARY YEARS 

The main topic covered in the Hydrosphere include:
1. The Water Cycle (Foundation-Year 2)
2. Sources of Water (Year 3-4)
3. Water Pollution (Year 5-6)

We have divided up these over different year groups so the hydrosphere can be expanded on
throughout different primary years.
 FOUNDATION- YEAR TWO

TEACHING THE HYDROSPHERE
Foundation-PP: students learn that observation can be organised to revel patterns and that these
patterns can be used to make predictions about phenomena
Year 1: Observable changes occur in the sky and landscape (ACSSU019)
Year 2: Earths resources are used in a variety of ways (ACSSU032)

ACTIVITY 1: CREATING A CLOUD

The students will create their own cloud in a jar to notice
precipitation,
condensation and evaporation.

Materials:
- Glass Jar with a lid.
- Ice cubes
- 1/3 Cup Hot Water
- Hairspray

Method:
1. Pour the hot water into the jar.
2. Quickly spray the hairspray into the jar and close the lid.
The spray gives the water vapour a surface to condense into
tiny little droplets.
3. Put the lid on with the ice cubes on top.
4. Watch the clouds form.

CURRICULUM LINKS FOR ACTIVITY 1

ACTIVITY 2: WILL IT RAIN?

The students will create their own rainfall in a hands on visually

appealing experiment. The students will see a cloud collecting water
and precipitating which is a key part of the water cycle. The
students should notice the collection of water and precipitation.
Materials:
- Food colouring
- Water
- Clear jars
- Shaving cream
- Plastic pipettes
Method:
1. Pre- mix the food colouring into seperate bowls with water
and fill the jars with 1/3 cup of cool water.
2. Spray the shaving cream on top of the water in the jar to
create a "cloud" life representation.
3. The students will use the pipette to suck up the "rain" and
squirt it into the "cloud". Drops of coloured rain will make
their way through the cloud and drop into the water underneath.

CURRICULUM LINKS FOR ACTIVITY 1

EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS 

It is important students can link the reasons for the survival of life, ecosystems and
importance of hydration etc. This is all possible because of the Water Cycle.
These activities benefit because they're visually engaging and represent a clear process of the
cycle through a hands-on experience.

INQUIRY QUESTIONS 

What parts of the water cycle do you notice?

What materials represented each of part of the water cycle?
How does water help our world survive?
Are these materials Sustainable? What else could we use?
 YEAR THREE/FOUR
TEACHING THE HYDROSPHERE
Sources of water and human impact on water can be taught in the middle primary years.

ACTIVITY : STORY OF THE RIVER

The teacher will read ‘The Story of Our River‘ to the class, which follows a river as it flows from
the mountains to the sea.
The students sit in a circle, with a tub of water in the centre of the circle that represents the
river. Each student is assigned one role to represent, such as a group of people or an industry,
that contribute to water pollution in the world.
Whilst listening to the story, as each role is mentioned, the student representing it will walk up to
the ‘river’ and pour a ‘pollutant’ into it.

Activity Roles: Fisher, Farmer, Tourist, Country man and a Scientist.

Resources: Costumes for roles. Jug, Water, plastic containers, range of substances for pollution.

CURRICULUM LINKS

EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS 
The story creates awareness of the causes and results of water pollution.
Students understand many substances can pollute rivers and other waterways.
Students understand that the things that we as individuals do can contribute to pollution if we
dispose of things inappropriately.

INQUIRY QUESTIONS 
What does the river look like by the time it reaches the sea?
Why is it bad for the river to look like this?
Was there any part of the story that surprised you?
What could your character to do help reduce water pollution?
What could you personally do, either at home or when you're out, to help?
 YEAR FIVE/SIX
TEACHING THE HYDROSPHERE
In years five and six, water pollution and water purification can be taught.

ACTIVITY : CREATING A WATER FILTER

The students will create their own water filter using materials found in nature and around the
home that can be recycled. The students will be able to observe the transition of water pollution
to water purification and the importance of keeping our hydrosphere as clean as possible.
Materials:
- Recycled plastic bottle
- Rocks and pebbles
- Fine and course Sand
- Coffee filter
- Elastic band
- Polluted Water
Method:
1. Cut a water bottle in half and tip the top over and
put it in the bottom half of the bottle.
2. At the neck of the bottle, tie the coffee filter on with
an elastic band.
3. In layers, put in fin sand, course sand and rocks.
4. Pour some polluted water into the filter and watch the water get purified.

CURRICULUM LINKS

EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS 
Creating a water filter can give opportunities to reflect on major issues in the world in terms of
access to clean water. The students can observe the process of water purification and how it can
help save the lives of millions of people around the world.

INQUIRY QUESTIONS 
1. What do you notice about the water before and after it enters the filter?
2. What purpose do each of the materials play in purifying the water?
3. What materials can we use to make this product more durable?
4. What is the benefit of creating water filters?
 CHILDREN LITERATURE

FOUNDATION- YEAR TWO

Little Raindrop by Melanie Joyce

(Yrs. P-2) Have you ever wondered what happens to a raindrop when it falls from the sky? This
beautifully illustrated story will capture the imaginations of children and parents alike, and
offers a perfect introduction to the water cycle.

Did a Dinosaur Drink This Water? by Robert E Wells

(Yrs. 1-3) This title covers a lot of ground, all related to the earth's water supply. About half the
book is devoted to the water cycle, with the main characters flying around in a odd little
helicopter to see the water cycle in action. And, in addition to discussing the water cycle for kids,
this book touches on other water-related topics like ocean currents, ocean and freshwater
habitats and water conservation...

YEAR THREE/FOUR
The Magic School Bus: At the Water Works by Joanna Cole
(Yrs. 2-4) This Magic School Bus title is for a slightly older audience and covers the water cycle
and modern waterworks like reservoirs, purification systems, pipes, faucets.... School Library
Journal started their review of this book by saying, "A remarkable meshing of text and
illustration make this an outstanding, lively treatment of a subject."
YEAR FIVE/SIX

One Well: The Story of Water on Earth by Rochelle Strauss

(Yrs. 4-8) This nicely illustrated, readable title about water conservation demonstrates that all
the water on the earth (in the atmosphere, oceans, rain...) comes from one well--a well we
depend on for survival. It covers water usage, pollution, and conservation topics. This title is
clearly written to teach water conservation, not necessarily the water cycle, but it does do a
good job of showing water in its many different forms (rivers, atmosphere, etc) and how that
relates to human lives.

A Drop of Water: By Walter Wick

(Years 3-6) Wick's striking color photographs of water in various states and stages of
movement. These pictures present water drops; soap bubbles; water condensing and
evaporating; snowflakes, frost, and dew; and water as a prism. The paragraphs of text that
accompany the images read like extended captions; they describe what is being pictured and
briefly comment on the phenomenon taking place. A set of short directions for doing the
observations and experiments included appears at the end. The book succeeds in allowing
exploration of their use to enhance scientific observation than as a description of the
characteristics of water. Wick clearly shows that science and art both offer ways to observe the
world around us

The Water Book: By Alok Jha

(Years 5 and up) Alok Jha presents the idea of water being a necessity for all life on earth. The
book takes on a scientific approach looking at the impact water has on our existence. Millions
of gallons of water make up our rivers, lakes and oceans originating in outer space. Inquiries
are raised in the book about what affect water has on people, the molecules that connects us to
the origins of life and how in the future the access of water may be fought over.
 SUSTAINABILTY

By investigating the relationships between systems and system

components and how systems respond to change, students
develop an appreciation for the interconnectedness of Earth's
hydrosphere.

Relationships including cycles and cause and effect are

explored, and students develop observation and analysis skills to
examine these relationships in the world around them.

INCURSION/EXCURSIONS
WATER COOPERATION WA

School Talks 
The Water Cooperation offers a range of free school talks which involve water experts
travelling out to your school and offering comprehensive information and hands on
activities.  

Virtual Tours 
A range of virtual tours that allow everyone to learn from the comfort of their classroom.

Excursions 
Groundwater Replenishment Visitor Centre in Craigie.
On fully guided tours, the students will be taken on an water cycle journey through
interpretive walkways, multimedia experiences and on-site viewing stations.
The students can learn about wastewater treatment and water recycling processes and
how groundwater replenishment can play a role in sustaining Perth's water supplies. 
 REFERENCES

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https://www.coolaustralia.org/activity/story-of-a-river/

Lifestraw. (n.d.) Our story. Retrieved from https://www.lifestraw.com/

Owlcation. (2018). Why water is important to life. Retrieved from

https://owlcation.com/stem/The-Importance-of-Water-to-Life

School Curriculum and Standards Authority. (2014). Design and technologies. Retrieved
from https://k10outline.scsa.wa.edu.au/home/teaching/curriculum-
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https://k10outline.scsa.wa.edu.au/home/teaching/cross-curriculum-
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water/water-crisis

The Water Project. (2018). Our work. Retrieved from https://thewaterproject.org/our-

water-projects

USGS Water Science School. (2016). The Water Cycle summary. Retrieved from
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Water Cooperation. (n.d.). Education. Retrieved from

https://www.watercorporation.com.au/home/education

WWF Global. (2017). Water pollution. Retrieved from

http://wwf.panda.org/knowledge_hub/teacher_resources/webfieldtrips/water_
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