Pumping it up

Everyone needs clean water. Without it, we couldn't survive. But if you don't live on the shore of an unpolluted lake, pond, river or stream, where can you get it?

This education module, which can be downloaded as a PDF,  explores how water is stored underground and how it can be pumped to the surface. With practical instructions for an experiment, Q&A and teacher notes, the module complies with National Science Education Standards Levels K-4 and 5-8.

Download the module here

Using pebbles, soil and water, students will observe the effects of gravity as the water seeps through the spaces to create layers and eventually form an underground store. They will then use a pump mechanism to bring this water to the surface.

The Q&A encourage students to discuss their experiment and help them gain a clear understanding of where our clean water comes from.

 The earth material under your feet isn't completely solid. It's made up of layers that can have all types of tiny spaces

Thanks To Michael DiSpezio

This module is written by Michael DiSpezio, dubbed "one of the world's most entertaining  science educators" by National Geographic.

For more about about our education modules or to find out how your school can support WaterAid's work, please call +1 212 683 0430 or send us an email.