Activity Overview
Using visual vocabulary boards helps students retain information and allow them to show what they know in a creative manner. For this activity, students will create a spider map that defines and illustrates 3-5 types of bodies of water. Their finished product should have an illustration that accompanies each definition.
Types of Bodies of Water
| Body of Water | Definition |
|---|---|
| Bay | A broad inlet of the sea where the land curves inward |
| Gulf | A deep inlet of the sea almost surrounded by land, with a narrow mouth |
| Lake | A large inland body of standing water |
| Ocean | The whole body of saltwater that covers nearly three fourths of the surface of the earth |
| Pond | A body of water that is usually smaller than a lake |
| River | A large natural stream of water flowing in a channel to the sea, a lake, or another such stream |
| Sea | The expanse of salt water that covers most of the earth's surface and surrounds its landmasses |
| Strait | A narrow passage of water connecting two seas or two other large areas of water |
| Stream | A small, narrow river |
| Waterfall | A fall of water usually from a great height |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 3-5 cell spider map that defines and illustrates different bodies of water.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the bodies of water you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition of the bodies of water.
- Create an illustration for each landform using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
- [ELA-Literacy/RI/3/4] Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases in a text relevant to a grade 3 topic or subject area.
- [ELA-Literacy/RI/4/4] Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words or phrases in a text relevant to a grade 4 topic or subject area.
- [ELA-Literacy/RI/5/4] Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases in a text relevant to a grade 5 topic or subject area.
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | The definition is correct. | The definition is partially correct. | The definition is incorrect. |
| Visualizations | The storyboard cells clearly illustrate the meaning of the vocabulary words. | The storyboard cells relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words, but are difficult to understand. | The storyboard cells do not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words. |
How To Help Students Distinguish Between Different Bodies of Water
Use Pictures and Videos
Teachers can use different colorful and interesting pictures and videos to explain the difference between different water bodies visually. Students will learn better by watching and it will also help them retain the information. Ask the students to draw or paint any body of water they find interesting as a way to engage them in the lesson.
Utilize Storytelling
One way of engaging the students throughout the lecture is to use storytelling to explain different and complex concepts. Teachers can come up with interesting and interactive stories regarding different bodies of water to explain to the students the differences among them.
Analyze Significance
Each waterbody has its own significance and uses in the environment and the ecosystem. Teachers can help the students distinguish these waterbodies based on their significance and uses. For instance, some waterbodies are used for trade and some are used for irrigation purposes.
Use Maps and Geography
Use interactive maps—physical or digital—to let students explore and distinguish between various bodies of water. Google Maps and other online tools, as well as educational applications, may be quite useful. Incorporate the subject of geography to help students integrate different concepts together.
Recommend Reading and Discussions
Recommend the students some reading resources about different water bodies. After that, have discussions with the students about what they learned. Group conversations or written reflections might be used for this. If possible, teachers can arrange a field trip to any nearby water body to encourage hands-on learning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bodies of Water Vocabulary Activity
What distinguishes an ocean from a sea?
A sea is a smaller body of salt water that is partially surrounded by land, whereas an ocean is a massive expanse of salt water that covers a significant amount of the surface of the Earth. Students can reflect on some examples of both waterbodies such as the Arabian Sea and the Pacific Ocean and make a comparison using a Venn Diagram.
What distinguishes a lake from a pond?
In general, lakes are bigger and deeper than ponds. Lakes may get water from a variety of sources, including rivers and subterranean springs. Students can analyze the different types of animal and plant species that can be found in both waterbodies as a way to distinguish between them.
Where does a river come from?
Rivers normally travel downstream and eventually drain into a bigger body of water after beginning at a natural source, such as a spring or a glacier that is melting.
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