Academy Curricular Exchange
Columbia Education Center
Science

TITLE:    "I'm Warm Now"

AUTHOR:   Carylon Weldon, Madill Elementary, Madill, OK

GRADE LEVEL/SUBJECT:     Appropriate for grade 3
                         Science-Water Conservation

OVERVIEW:  Students are made aware of just how much clean
fresh water is wasted as we wait for the water to become
warm in our spigot.  The students make predictions both in
the amount of time and the quantity of water wasted.  They
collect data for both the kitchen and bathroom sinks.  They
use their calculators to find the class average of time and
water wasted per sink.  They are then introduced to
PROJECTIONS and the students find the amount wasted per day
per person and make projections based on the population of
the city, state, and country per day, month, and year.  A
large graph showing these projections makes quite an
impressive picture.  They discuss possible solutions and
place the graph in a strategic spot for other students to
observe.

RESOURCES:
a warm, water spigot
a pitcher or similar container to collect water
stop watch or clock with second-hand
calculators
large sheet of paper for graph and magic
markers
previously collected data on population of city, state,
   country.

ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
     Students make their predictions in class both in the
amount of time and the quantity of water wasted for the
water to become warm in the spigot.  They then collect their
data in their homes that evening.  The next day they figure
out the class average using their calculators.
     With this information and previously collected
information on population they make projections of water
wasted per day per person based on the populations of the
city, state, and country.  A large graph with an explanation
of the information is placed where all the students and
faculty can benefit from the findings.

TYING IT ALL TOGETHER:
This is one activity that extends the measurement unit and
correlates it to water conservation.  There are several math
applications that can be made.

This activity originally came from the Elementary Best
Lessons in Science, a compilation of lessons of the 1990
Presidential Awardees for Excellence in Science/Math
Teaching.  It was shared by Bonita Talbot-Wylie of
Minnesota.

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