UNIT E: Fresh and Saltwater Systems

Unit Checklist

  Unit E: Key Ideas

Focus On: Fresh and Saltwater Systems

This unit has four sections dedicated to helping you understand the basics of fresh and saltwater systems. Each section has a key idea indicated by its title, and each section is divided into lessons. Click each key idea tab to view the lesson titles and some key questions you will investigate.

 
Section 1 Key Idea: Water is found in many places on Earth; it occurs in many forms.

Lesson E1: Water on Earth
Key Question – Where is water found on Earth?

Lesson E2: Substances in Water
Key Question – What different types of substances are found in water?

Lesson E3: Water Purification
Key Question – How do humans make water safe to drink?


Section 2 Key Idea: Water affects the landscape and climate.

Lesson E4: Waves and Tides
Key Question – Why does water move in the ocean?

Lesson E5: Water Erosion
Key Question – How does water carve landscapes into rock?

Lesson E6:  Ocean Basins
Key Question – How do oceans form and what features do oceans have?

Lesson E7:  Glaciers and Icefields
Key Question – How does frozen water affect landscapes?

Lesson E8:  How Water and Oceans Affect Climate
Key Question – How do ocean currents affect water evaporation and climate?


Section 3 Key Idea: There is a tremendous variety of organisms living in fresh and salt water.

Lesson E9:  Living in Water
Key Question – What adaptations do different aquatic organisms have?

Lesson E10: Changing Populations in Water
Key Question – Why do the populations of aquatic species change over time?
Lesson E11: Water Quality Affects Living Things
Key Question – How does water quality affect both aquatic and non-aquatic organisms?


Section 4 Key Idea: Humans must carefully monitor and manage their use of water.

Lesson E12: How Humans Use Water
Key Question – How do humans use water and affect water quality?

Lesson E13: Monitoring and Solving Water Problems
Key Question – What technologies can help humans monitor and maintain clean and safe bodies of water?