Earth Systems

Standard: 04

Objective: 01. Explain the water cycle in terms of its reservoirs, the movement between

reservoirs, and the energy to move water. Evaluate the importance of

freshwater to the biosphere.

ILO:

People protect watershed areas in many ways, including placing bans on dogs and horses in the areas near streams. Why?

a. Dogs and horses drink a great deal of water that people need.

b. The animals’ wastes can wash into the streams, polluting them.

c. More people will visit the area if they can bring their pets.

d. Animals frighten wildlife and ruin the natural environment.

e. Animals will walk in the water, stirring up mud.

Correct Answer: b

Earth Systems

Standard: 04

Objective: 01. Explain the water cycle in terms of its reservoirs, the movement between

reservoirs, and the energy to move water. Evaluate the importance of

freshwater to the biosphere.

ILO:

Which of the following is NOT a problem concerning dams on the Colorado River?

a. they provide irrigation water and hydroelectric power

b. wildlife habitat has been destroyed

c. water becomes increasingly salty as it moves through the system

d. water no longer reaches Mexico

Correct Answer: a

Earth Systems

Standard: 04

Objective: 01. Explain the water cycle in terms of its reservoirs, the movement between

reservoirs, and the energy to move water. Evaluate the importance of

freshwater to the biosphere.

ILO:

The way to save the most water in your home is to:

a. use less water in the yard

b. do less cleaning

c. use less in cooking

d. put a brick in the back of the toilet

Correct Answer: a

Earth Systems

Standard: 04

Objective: 01. Explain the water cycle in terms of its reservoirs, the movement between

reservoirs, and the energy to move water. Evaluate the importance of

freshwater to the biosphere.

ILO:

Jill wants to measure the stream flow volume (amount of water flowing through a stream) of the stream that flows down a nearby canyon. What aspects of the stream should she measure?

a. The width, length, and depth of the stream.

b. The width, depth, and meters per second flow of the stream.

c. The meters per second flow of the stream.

d. The length, depth, and meter per second flow of the stream.

e. The width and length of the stream.

Correct Answer: b

Earth Systems

Standard: 04

Objective: 01. Explain the water cycle in terms of its reservoirs, the movement between

reservoirs, and the energy to move water. Evaluate the importance of

freshwater to the biosphere.

ILO:

Which factor affects the boiling point of water?

a. the amount of air pressure present

b. the latitude of the water’s location

c. the longitude of the water’s location

d. the air temperature around the water

Correct Answer: a

Earth Systems

Standard: 04

Objective: 01. Explain the water cycle in terms of its reservoirs, the movement between

reservoirs, and the energy to move water. Evaluate the importance of

freshwater to the biosphere.

ILO:

A 9^th grade student wants to test the effect of excess fertilizer on algae growth in freshwater versus algae growth in saltwater. The student predicts the saltwater will be more affected. A gram of fertilizer is added to a liter of local pond water in one container and a liter of saltwater from the classroom aquarium in another. Both samples are placed in the same windowsill for a week. Daily observations are recorded. The student’s observations are below:

	Saltwater	Freshwater
Day 1	Water is cloudy. Some floating organisms	Water is clear. Some floating organisms.
Day 2	No change.	No change.
Day 3	Water is cloudier.	Green algae start to appear.
Day 4	No change.	More algae. It is difficult to see through the water.
Day 5	Water is a little cloudier. Some organisms still floating.	Water is a lot greener than day one. Lots of floating material.

Was the experiment adequate to resolve the student’s question?

a. No, the hypothesis was not correct.

b. No, careful observations were not made.

c. Yes, if the results are reproducible.

d. Yes, he used the correct amount of fertilizer.

Correct Answer: c

Earth Systems

Standard: 04

Objective: 01. Explain the water cycle in terms of its reservoirs, the movement between

reservoirs, and the energy to move water. Evaluate the importance of

freshwater to the biosphere.

ILO:

Where is the majority of the Earth's water found?

a. In rivers

b. In lakes

c. In oceans

d. In wetlands

Correct Answer: c

Earth Systems

Standard: 04

Objective: 01. Explain the water cycle in terms of its reservoirs, the movement between

reservoirs, and the energy to move water. Evaluate the importance of

freshwater to the biosphere.

ILO:

Why is water called the universal solvent?

a. it can solve any problem

b. it can dissolve many substances

c. it is found many places in the universe

d. it is part of most living things

Correct Answer: b

Earth Systems

Standard: 04

Objective: 01. Explain the water cycle in terms of its reservoirs, the movement between

reservoirs, and the energy to move water. Evaluate the importance of

freshwater to the biosphere.

ILO:

Which of the following aspects of stream water would NOT affect the types of life that could live in the stream?

a. temperature

b. turbidity

c. dissolved oxygen content

d. molecular composition of water

e. stream gradient

Correct Answer: d

Earth Systems

Standard: 04

Objective: 01. Explain the water cycle in terms of its reservoirs, the movement between

reservoirs, and the energy to move water. Evaluate the importance of

freshwater to the biosphere.

ILO:

What property of water allows ice to float at the North and South poles?

a. Liquid water is more dense than ice.

b. Large pieces of ice float better than small ones.

c. Water changes color when it changes from ice to liquid water.

d. Water changes temperature when it changes from solid to liquid.

e. Ice at low latitudes is more dense than ice at higher latitudes.

Correct Answer: a

Earth Systems

Standard: 04

Objective: 01. Explain the water cycle in terms of its reservoirs, the movement between

reservoirs, and the energy to move water. Evaluate the importance of

freshwater to the biosphere.

ILO:

Water moves against gravity up a tree stem and upwards through soil. What property of water allows this to happen?

a. density

b. solubility

c. color

d. surface tension

e. taste

Correct Answer: d

Earth Systems

Standard: 04

Objective: 01. Explain the water cycle in terms of its reservoirs, the movement between

reservoirs, and the energy to move water. Evaluate the importance of

freshwater to the biosphere.

ILO:

Water expands when it freezes. What would happen if water did NOT expand when frozen?

a. Ice would sink, ponds would freeze from the bottom up, and many aquatic plants and animals would die.

b. Water would be more dense than wood therefore wood would not float. Beavers would be adversely affected.

c. The surface tension would be destroyed. Water striders and other creatures that walk on the water’s surface would sink.

d. Water would not evaporate therefore clouds would not form. There would be no snow or rain.

e. Water would not dissolve many substances. It would be impossible to make root beer or clean bathrooms.

Correct Answer: a

Earth Systems

Standard: 04

Objective: 01. Explain the water cycle in terms of its reservoirs, the movement between

reservoirs, and the energy to move water. Evaluate the importance of

freshwater to the biosphere.

ILO:

Match the following properties of water with their corresponding role in Earth’s Systems. Properties may be used more than once.

a. suspension

b. evaporation

c. condensation

d. expands when frozen

e. surface tension

f. universal solvent

g. capillary attraction

_____ 1. Fish can breathe under water because water carries dissolved oxygen.

_____ 2. The change of water from liquid to gas helps your body cool down when you sweat.

_____ 3. Water removes halite from rocks as it flows over and through them.

_____ 4. Water moves up the stems of plants and trunks of trees.

_____ 5. Dew forms on plant leaves.

_____ 6. Polar ice caps float on the ocean surface.

_____ 7. Water molecules form droplets.

_____ 8. The lower Mississippi often looks like a river of mud because the water carries

billions of small particles as it flows.

_____ 9. Snow and rain form in clouds and fall to the ground.

_____ 10. Liquid water quickly disappears from rock cavities in hot, dry climates.

Correct Answers:

1. f

2. b

3. f

4. g

5. c

6. d

7. e

8. a

9. c

10. b

I

Earth Systems

Standard: 04

Objective: 01. Explain the water cycle in terms of its reservoirs, the movement between

reservoirs, and the energy to move water. Evaluate the importance of

freshwater to the biosphere.

ILO:

Use this diagram of a cross section of the earth to answer the following questions.

1. The line labeled "E" is called the:

a. water table

b. watershed

c. recharge area

d. reclamation dam

2. "E" will remain in the same place if:

a. losses at "B" and "C" are greater than gains at "D"

b. losses at "B" and "C" are less than gains at "D"

c. the well at "A" doesn't pump more than "B"

d. snow and rain from "D" replace the losses at "A" and "B"

3. If more wells were built and a great deal of water was pumped from them, what might happen to the river?

a. it's flow would increase

b. it's flow would decrease

c. the wells would not affect the river

d. more snow would melt and maintain the balance

4. Insecticides sprayed on a filed near point "C" are found in the well water. How did they get there?

a. the well was open when they were sprayed

b. they evaporated into the air and were drawn in as the well pumped

c. they were carried by water flowing through the soil

Correct Answers:

1. a

2. d

3. b

4. c

Earth Systems

Standard: 04

Objective: 01. Explain the water cycle in terms of its reservoirs, the movement between

reservoirs, and the energy to move water. Evaluate the importance of

freshwater to the biosphere.

ILO:

Water is placed over a burner and it boils. The graph shows the temperature at each 2-minute interval. The experiment ended at 20 minutes. Yet the fellow extrapolated until 26 minutes. Use the graph to answer the questions.

1. How hot was the water at 6 minutes?

a. 10

b. 20

c. 30

d. 40

e. 50

2. At what temperature did the water boil?

a. 10

b. 35

c. 70

d. 94

e. 100

3. Explain why the water did not reach 100°.

4. If the water was left to boil for 1 hour more, how hot would the water get?

a.32°

b.96°

c.100°

d.212°

Correct Answers:

1. d

2. d

3. should include mention of atmospheric pressure

4. b

Earth Systems

Standard: 04

Objective: 01. Explain the water cycle in terms of its reservoirs, the movement between

reservoirs, and the energy to move water. Evaluate the importance of

freshwater to the biosphere.

ILO:

Much of Utah's water flows to California via the Green, Colorado and San Juan rivers. However, as farmers irrigate farmland in Uintah, San Rafael and San Pete basins, salt is washed into the rivers, rendering the water useless. Diagram and describe how you might solve the problem.

Scoring Guide:

4 - The student will draw a diagram and describe it. They will show creative thinking skills and a possible solution.

3 - The student will draw a diagram and describe it. They will show creative thinking, but the idea will not be feasible.

2 - The student will draw a diagram and describe it. They will only describe the problem.

1 - The student will only draw a diagram

Earth Systems

Standard: 04

Objective: 01. Explain the water cycle in terms of its reservoirs, the movement between

reservoirs, and the energy to move water. Evaluate the importance of

freshwater to the biosphere.

ILO:

You live in a city that has had drought conditions for four straight years. The city government has decided that the drought is severe enough that something should be done. The government has decided to triple the cost of water so that people will use less water. As a concerned citizen, and using your knowledge of the water cycle and culinary water treatment, write a persuasive paper either agreeing or disagreeing with the government’s decision.

Scoring Guide: You will be graded using the rubric below.

Earth Systems

Standard: 04

Objective: 01. Explain the water cycle in terms of its reservoirs, the movement between

reservoirs, and the energy to move water. Evaluate the importance of

freshwater to the biosphere.

ILO:

The Absorption of Water by Soils

Background Information:

Different soils and soil components have different abilities to hold water. Water’s ability to stick to other substances is called cohesion. The ability of water to drain depends on a soil’s pore space. Water sticks in small pore spaces and runs through large ones.

Students Must Know

1. How to plan and carry out an investigation.

2. How to measure substances using graduated cylinders and beakers.

3. How to make a bar graph showing collected data.

Time Needed:

Approximately one class period.

Materials Needed

1. 15 graduated cylinders

2. 15 250mL beakers (or 1c measuring cups)

3. 15 ceramic pots or cups with holes cut in the bottom for drainage

4. 15 dishes for collecting water

5. Bag of potting soil (slightly damp)

6. Bucket of sand (slightly damp or dry)

7. 15 pieces of cheesecloth or mesh (to keep sand and soil from running out of the bottom of the pot – optional)

Safety Precautions

None

Possible Ways to Organize a Class

Pairs of students (or groups of 3) work at desks or lab tables, turn in one investigation report per pair or group.

Have students put the wet soil and sand in separate containers at the end of the test so it doesn’t soak the samples for the next class.

Scoring Guide

2 points The problem is written as a question

1 point Something is written for a problem

0 points No problem included

2 points The hypothesis is written as a testable prediction

1 point A hypothesis is written but is not a testable prediction

0 points No hypothesis included

4 points The experiment is clear and complete

2 points The experiment is unclear or incomplete

0 points No experiment included

2 points The data are clearly recorded

1 point The data are not clearly recorded

0 points No data are recorded

4 points Graph is neat and matches data

2 points Graph is incorrect, incomplete, or difficult to read

0 points No graph is included

2 points Conclusion includes whether hypothesis was correct and accurately summarizes findings

1 point Conclusion is incomplete or inaccurate

0 points No conclusion is included

Absorption of Water by Soils

Name:____________________________________ Period:______________

Objective

In this assignment, you will plan and carry out an investigation to determine how much water two different types of soil can absorb. You will then graph your data and write a written summary. You will be scored on writing your investigation in the proper format and on clearly and accurately graphing your data.

Materials

1. 1 graduated cylinder

2. 1 250mL beaker

3. 1 ceramic pot

4. Dish for collecting water

5. Potting soil

6. Sand

7. 1 piece of cheesecloth or mesh

Procedure

1. In pairs (or threes if assigned), write a plan for an investigation. Write it on your own sheet of notebook paper, 1 paper per pair or group. Include the problem, hypothesis, and experiment steps of an investigation.

2. Carry out your plan, recording your measurements in the data step of your investigation.

3. Draw a graph showing the amount of water each substance absorbed. Be sure it is neat and matches your data.

4. Complete your investigation write-up by writing a conclusion in the proper format.

5. When done with the investigation and write-up, return the glassware, pot, and cheesecloth to your teacher. Put the wet sand and soil where your teacher shows you. Do NOT return it to the bad of dry sand or soil.

Earth Systems

Standard: 04

Objective: 01. Explain the water cycle in terms of its reservoirs, the movement between

reservoirs, and the energy to move water. Evaluate the importance of

freshwater to the biosphere.

ILO:

The Invisible Killer

Student Directions: Read the article below and answer the questions that follow.

Materials: copies of the article "The Invisible Killer" and questions.

Article: The Invisible Killer

A silent threat is sweeping the planet: dihydrogen monoxide. DHMO is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. This potent chemical has killed countless millions, particularly through accidental inhalation. Prolonged exposure to the solid form causes tissue damage. Ingestion can lead to excessive sweating, urination, and possible bloated feeling, nausea, vomiting, and electrolyte imbalance in the body. The dangers, however, extend beyond the scope of personal safety.

DHMO is the main component of acid rain and beer. It contributes to the greenhouse effect, and erosion of our natural landscape. DHMO causes severe burns, accelerates corrosion and rusting of metals, causes electrical failures and decreases the effectiveness of automobile brakes. It has even been found in tumors of terminal cancer patients.

Contamination of this deadly substance has reached epidemic proportions. Quantities of DHMO have been found in almost every stream, lake, and reservoir the United States today. The pollution has progressed to a global level; contaminants have even been found in Antarctic ice. Recently, DHMO caused millions of dollars in property damage in the Midwest and California.

Despite the imminent dangers, this chemical is used as an industrial solvent and coolant, in nuclear power plants, in the production of Styrofoam, and as a fire retardant. It is used in many forms of cruel animal research, and in the distribution of pesticides. Even after being washed, produce will remain contaminated by this chemical. It is also used as an additive in certain junk foods and in many food products.

Several major companies dump waste DHMO in rivers and the ocean. Nothing can be done to stop it-- this dumping is still legal! The impact of DHMO on wildlife is extreme and we simply cannot afford to ignore it any longer. The horror must be stopped. The American government has refused to ban the production, distribution, or use of this damaging chemical due to its importance to the economic health of our nation.