Creative Sustainability - Water Works
Provided by: Cool.org|Published on: September 13, 2026
Grades: PK, K
Type: Lesson Plans
Subjects: Science
Authors: Cool.org
Region: Global
Languages: English
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This early learning lesson invites young children to explore water through sensory play and creativity, while building an appreciation for water as a precious resource.
- Children engage in activities such as testing whether objects float or sink in water, painting with water, and creating watercolor art, with an age 3 to 5 extension that uses the picture book The Waterhole by Graham Base to connect water scarcity to the needs of living things.
Teaching Materials
Preparation:
- A free Cool.org account and login are required to access the full lesson materials.
- Send notes home to families prior to engaging in water play, asking them to send extra clothes with students if necessary.
- For older students, acquire a copy of The Waterhole by Graham Base.
- Depending on the activity, teachers will need buckets of water, colorful materials, paints, salt, paper, and paintbrushes.
Literacy Connections:
- Consider creating a word wall, adding the terms waterhole and environment to the wall with corresponding pictures.
Sustainable Development Connections:
- Connect this resource to SDG 6, Clean Water and Sanitation, by helping children value and conserve fresh water.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
