Hydromania!

Topics:  Ecology, Geology, Bernoulli’s Principle, Biology, Native American Philosophies, Power, States of Matter, Surface Tension, Density, Measurement, and Scientific Method

Source:  The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) 

Web address: http://www.bpa.gov/Corporate/KR/ed/hydromania/homepage.htm 

Grade Levels:  4-6

Learning strategies:  Hands-on, project-based curriculum, group work

Frameworks Connections:

Science and Technology/Engineering

·         Earth and Space Science, Grades 3-5
The Water Cycle

·         Life Sciences, Grades 6-8
Living Things and their Environment
Changes in Ecosystems Over Time

·         Technology/Engineering, Grades 6-8
5. Construction Technologies  

Cost:  Free

Description: Hydromania! provides a curriculum originally created for summer science camps in Portland, Oregon with the objective of increasing scientific literacy among students in grades 4-6. The curriculum provides hands-on, exploratory science activities for students and is structured to increase interest in and awareness of energy and nature. In particular, the lessons offer perspectives on resource conservation and the water cycle.

The site includes an introduction, lesson plans, goals of the project, instructions for accessing the materials needed within the lessons, and a link to the BPA. Each of the lessons includes background information, materials and methods for the activities, and discussion questions to follow up on the activities. In addition to exploring scientific theory, these lessons integrate the importance of group dynamics and the nature of science. The lessons include a multitude of activities, each focusing on a different content area. The materials for these activities are readily available to teachers through the site.