New Bedford ECHO Project - ECHO programs amplify educational benefits, foster greater appreciation of local and national history and the natural environment, and assist communities in maximizing the social benefits of new technologies.

ECHO programs amplify educational benefits, foster greater appreciation of local and national history and the natural environment, and assist communities in maximizing the social benefits of new technologies.

The Mysteries of Water II, an Interdisciplinary Investigation for Grades 7 -

Disciplinary Focus:
Earth Science, Physical Science, Environmental Science, and Social Studies

Grade Level:
Grades 7-9

In this module, suitable for grades 7-9, students use an inquiry approach to discover the physical and chemical properties of water, the impact of water on human activity and the impact of human activity on water. It is cross-disciplinary in its design allowing for a range of collaborative teaching possibilities. It can be taught by a cross-disciplinary team or teachers can select Learning Experiences that address the objectives within their respective disciplines. The module builds on a companion module also developed by the New Bedford ECHO project for students in grades 4-6, Investigating the Mysteries of Water. Part I falls within the discipline of science, and introduces or reinforces what students already know about the unique properties of water, including the creation by students of concrete models to help them understand how the chemical structure of the molecule gives water its unique physical properties, and how these properties make life possible on Earth. In Part II, students explore the impact of water on earth’s geography and climates and throughout human history—physically, socio-economically, politically, and spiritually. In Part III, students investigate the environmental issues related to water conservation and water pollution, learning how to be, and hopefully making a commitment to be a responsible steward of water.

ECHO programs amplify educational benefits, foster greater appreciation of local and national history and the natural environment, and assist communities in maximizing the social benefits of new technologies.

What is ECHO?

ECHO is an educational and cultural enrichment initiative, annually serving thousands of children and adults in Alaska, Hawaii and Massachusetts. Established by Congress as part of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, ECHO brings innovative programs collaboratively produced by the regional cultural institutions to culturally diverse audiences. Read More