The following are suggested lesson plans for water-related activities in the third and fourth grade classrooms:
Water Field Day Activity Guide
Host a water field day event using the following guide! (Use CTRL + Click on the hyperlinks to access full activity directions)
Click Here to Download the Field Day Guide
The following stand-alone activities are age-appropriate for Grades 3-4:
Interactive Games
Gel-Mo’s Storybook
This interactive booklet teaches children how to clean their hands if soap and water are not available:
6 Steps to Wash Your Hands
This game will help children learn proper hand washing techniques:
Scrub Club Webisode #1
This is a 10-minute cartoon with three easy games to teach children to wash their hands before they eat
Scrub Club Villain Gallery
Learn about the bacteria that can cause illness without proper hygiene
Scrub Club
Learn about E. coli and handwashing with this interactive matching game
Scrub Club 5 Finger Alert
Learn about handwashing and the Influenza virus
EPA’s Interactive Water Cycle
Learn about the water cycle
Word Games
Recycle Maze
A maze to help kids get the aluminum can to the recycling bin
EPA’s Thirstin’s Word Scramble
A word scramble game to teach children about the water cycle and water conservation
Fact Sheets
Drinking Water Bloopers
Teach children some important water safety tips
Bulletin Board Ideas
Water Usage
Three printable posters depicting water usage
Water Education Posters from the US Geological Survey
Each poster comes with an educational section describing components of the poster and activities to help children understand the concepts introduced. All are available either online or as PDF versions. Click the link for your preferred method of delivery.
- Coastal Hazards Online PDF en Español
- Watersheds Online PDF
- Hazardous Waste Online PDF en Español
- Wetlands Online PDF
- Water Use Online PDF en Español
- Wastewater Online PDF
- Navigation Online PDF
- Ground Water Online PDF
- Water Quality Online PDF
Classroom Activities
Clean the Water
Build a basic water filter
Handprint Evaporation pdf version
Teach children about evaporation on a sunny day
Fun with bubbles
Teach children about surface tension
Salt water and fresh water
Explore the differences between salt and fresh water