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What is Saltwater Intrusion? K-6

Elementary

Description

The resource provides a hands-on activity through which students learn about the density of liquids, how saltwater and freshwater interact, and the actions that can be taken to prevent saltwater intrusion.

In the activity students carry out the simple procedure of  introducing saltwater (dyed blue with food coloring) into freshwater (dyed red) and recording their observations before answering a series of questions related to  saltwater intrusion.

This resource is part of a compilation of activities that enable teachers to integrate climate change research into their classrooms through fun, engaging and accessible learning experiences.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This activity is best suited for the early elementary Science classroom.  Students can learn about the concept of density, how climate change can contribute to the problem of saltwater intrusion and how to prevent it.

The Discover Our Climate learning activities are designed for grades primary to six and focus on Atlantic Canada. Each activity encourages students to be curious and create solutions for the on-going climate challenges we face.   

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

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  • Alberta
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Matter and Energy: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy
    • Grade 4
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Earth Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions.
  • British Columbia
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    • Grade 2
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 2: Water is essential to all living things and it cycles through the environment
    • Grade 4
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 4: Matter has mass, takes up space, and can change phase
  • Manitoba
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        • Air and Water in the Environment
        • Earth Science
        • Properties of solids. Liquids and Gases
  • New Brunswick
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        • Our Local Environment : Learning and Living Sustainably
        • Our Local Environment : Scientific Literacy
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        • Properties and Uses of Earth Materials: Learning and Living Sustainably
  • Newfoundland & Labrador
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      • Science
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        • Air and Water in the Environment
        • Liquids and Solids
  • Northwest Territories
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      • Science
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        • Earth and Space Systems: Air and Water in the Environment
        • Matter and Materials: Properties of Liquids and Solids
        • Science 2: Water is essential to all living things and it cycles through the environment
    • Grade 4
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 4: Matter has mass, takes up space, and can change phase
  • Nova Scotia
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      • Science
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        • Science 2: Air and Water in the Environment
        • Science 2:Liquids, Solids and Mixtures
  • Nunavut
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      • Science
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        • Earth and Space Systems: Air and Water in the Environment
        • Matter & Materials: Properties of Liquids & Solids
  • Ontario
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      • Science & Technology
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        • Earth and Space Systems: Air & Water in the Environment
        • Matter and Energy: Properties of Liquids & Solids
  • Prince Edward Island
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        • Air & Water in the Environment
        • Liquids & Solids
  • Quebec
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        • Air and Water in the Environment
        • Liquids and Solids
  • Yukon Territory
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 2: Water is essential to all living things and it cycles through the environment
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 4: Matter has mass, takes up space, and can change phase

Themes Addressed

Air, Atmosphere & Climate (1)

  • Climate Change

Ecosystems (1)

  • Appreciating the Natural World

Water (4)

  • Marine Environments
  • Water Quality
  • Water Use
  • Watershed Protection