Salt Water and Freshwater Distribution on Earth

Provided by: PBS |Published on: November 16, 2023

Data, Graphs, and Maps

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Scientist Reviewed ↗

Synopsis

These illustrations show how much of the Earth's water is freshwater, how much of that freshwater is from lakes and rivers, and all the different types of freshwater on Earth.
Students learn that most water on Earth is saltwater, only a sliver of the Earth's freshwater is from lakes and rivers, and freshwater comes in various forms such as groundwater, glaciers, and water vapor.

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Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences

Authors: PBS

Region: Global

Languages: English

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Teaching Materials

Positives

The illustrations are easy to understand and visually engaging.
The illustrations can be downloaded as a PNG file.

Additional Prerequisites

In order to download the illustrations, you need to sign up for a free PBS LearningMedia account.
It may be helpful if students already know the difference between saltwater and freshwater.

Differentiation

Teachers can use these illustrations as a conceptual introduction to ice caps, glaciers, the importance of these freshwater sources, and what's happening to these sources in recent years.
These illustrations can supplement a classroom activity where students investigate different types of marine life.
These illustrations can enhance a classroom discussion about the scarcity of freshwater and the importance of having clean water in our communities.
These illustrations can augment a lesson on man-made lakes and other ways that humans try to control water sources.
Consider using the illustrations to introduce the lesson Importance of Conserving Water.

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Salt Water and Freshwater Distribution on Earth

Synopsis

Teaching Materials

Scientist Reviewed

Related Teaching Resources