Test and assess the quality of drinking water as we learn about the water cycle and microplastics.
Mobile Water: A Vital Question
For grades 3 – 8
- Location: We travel to you!
- Capacity: 32 students
- Duration: 45–60 minutes
- Cost: $280 (travel fees apply outside of Chicago)
- Mobile Labs are offered between 8 a.m. and noon and/or between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Lab goals
Provide a hands-on, student-led activity to spark interest in science and expose students to different career pathways.
Student outcomes
- Increase their understanding of humanity’s place and impact on the water cycle
- Understand the connection between water quality and health
- Increase their understanding of the importance of water quality in our drinking water
- Increase their understanding of the components of water quality
- Recognize microplastics as an aspect of water quality and a current problem facing the world
Skyline Scope & Sequence
- 3rd: Environments & Climate
- 4th: Earth’s Features
- 5th: Modeling Matter; Earth Systems
- 6th: Metabolism; Oceans, Atmosphere & Climate; Weather Patterns
Next Generation Science Standards
Our Learning Labs are designed to integrate curriculum standards and connections into your classroom!
Science and Engineering Practices:
- Asking questions and defining problems
- Developing and using models
- Planning and carrying out investigations
- Analyzing and interpreting data
- Engaging in argument from evidence
- Obtaining, evaluating and communicating information
Crosscutting Concepts
- Systems and models (the water cycle)
- Energy and matter: flows, cycles and conservation
- Stability and change
- Cause and effect
Disciplinary Core Ideas
- LS4.D: Information Processing
- ESS2.A: Earth Materials & Systems
- ESS2.C: The Role of Water in Earth's Surface Processes
- ESS2.D: Weather & Climate
- ESS3.A: Natural Resources
- ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems
Extend learning with these resources
Additional resources
- US Water Alliance
- Career connectionsFreshwater – Careers
