Let’s take a journey back to the start of our learning adventure. Remember when we discovered that animals need energy from food to live? Well, that’s still true, but there’s something else that’s just as important: water! All living things need water to survive. Some need freshwater, while others need saltwater, but water is essential for everyone.
You’ve probably seen water in many forms—splashing in pools, filling balloons, or simply drinking it. Water is one of the most common substances on Earth, covering more than two-thirds of our planet’s surface. But not all water is the same. Most of the Earth’s water is in the oceans and is salty. Freshwater, on the other hand, has very little salt—less than 0.1%—and is found in lakes, rivers, ponds, wetlands, and streams.
Plants, animals, and humans all depend on freshwater because our bodies can’t handle the high salt content in ocean water. Drinking too much saltwater can even be harmful. That’s why freshwater is so crucial for our survival.
Even though the oceans hold most of the Earth’s water, only about 3% of it is freshwater. And of that, about 2% is trapped in glaciers or underground, leaving less than 1% accessible on the surface for us to use. This small amount is what we rely on for drinking, growing crops, and other daily needs.
Geographers, who study Earth’s features, use maps to find freshwater sources. While most freshwater sources are too small to see on a large map, some, like the Great Lakes in North America, are visible. These lakes hold about 20% of the Earth’s available freshwater. However, most freshwater is found in smaller lakes, rivers, and streams all over the world.
Since freshwater is so limited, it’s important to use it wisely. People and animals often live near freshwater sources like rivers or lakes. In places without nearby freshwater, like Las Vegas, people have to find ways to bring water to them.
So, remember, freshwater is the key to life for you, me, and all living things. It’s all over the Earth, but in very limited amounts. Let’s make sure we use it carefully!
Water Detective: Go on a water detective adventure around your home or school. Look for different places where you can find water. Is it in a glass, a pond, or maybe a puddle? Make a list or draw pictures of all the places you find water. Discuss with your friends or family why each of these water sources is important and how they might be used.
Freshwater vs. Saltwater Experiment: With the help of an adult, fill two small bowls with water. Add a tablespoon of salt to one bowl and leave the other as it is. Taste a tiny drop from each bowl (make sure to rinse your mouth after tasting the saltwater). Talk about how they taste different and why freshwater is important for drinking. Discuss what might happen if we only had saltwater to drink.
Map Your Water: Find a simple map of your local area or use an online map with the help of an adult. Try to locate any nearby lakes, rivers, or streams. Mark them on your map. Discuss how these water sources might be used by people, animals, and plants in your community. Think about what would happen if these water sources were not available.
