Salt Water and Freshwater Distribution on Earth

Notes from our reviewers

The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials.

• Teaching Tips
  Some ideas for extending this activity include: Use cups/bowls (some type of container) to illustrate freshwater/saltwater. Make graphs comparing sources of freshwater. Look at the average amount of water used for basic activities (brushing teeth, showering, cooking, gardening, etc.) over the course of one year/over the course of 50 years to determine how much water on average humans use per year/per x amount of years. Compare to the total amount of water available.
• About the Science
  The idea of this resource is to show the amount, location, and character (fresh or saltwater) of water on the Earth. It provides sound information that is tangible and age-appropriate. Information is based on NASA data. Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.
• About the Pedagogy
  These resources can be used to support a small or whole group lesson, depending on the classroom's size and the student's level. No prerequisites are needed, however, these graphics are part of a larger unit on drought, which is also accessible on the website. The teacher/student view is a useful feature of the lesson. The teacher's guide is also useful and provides clear instruction on how to implement the graphics and ways to engage students. The support material for teachers includes important discussion points and exercises that activate prior knowledge and help to further illustrate the concepts. The visuals are clear and well-designed.
• Technical Details/Ease of Use
  No cost associated with graphics, can download resources for free. Requires an initial PBS account set up and/or a Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Google account for social sharing. More user-friendly with a Google Classroom account. Easy to use graphics and minimal prep time needed, no additional materials needed but could use for activity extension. Offered in Spanish as well. Resources are higher quality and include more information once downloaded. Related links are working and of high quality.