Content Objective: Explore and analyze the essential properties of water, from its molecular structure and bonding to its macroscopic behaviors, and assess their implications for life on Earth and the potential for extraterrestrial life. Investigate water's physical properties like buoyancy, viscosity, and its role in life processes, while considering its origin and presence in the universe.
Language Objective: Develop and apply scientific vocabulary and communication skills by actively describing, illustrating, and presenting water's unique properties. Engage in creating detailed diagrams, writing clear explanations, and conducting comparative analyses to effectively communicate the complexities and significance of water in supporting life.
Syllabus Details:
A1.1.1—Water as the medium for life -"Students should appreciate that the first cells originated in water and that water remains the medium in which most processes of life occur."
A1.1.2—Hydrogen bonds as a consequence of the polar covalent bonds within water molecules - "Students should understand that polarity of covalent bonding within water molecules is due to unequal sharing of electrons and that hydrogen bonding due to this polarity occurs between water molecules. Students should be able to represent two or more water molecules and hydrogen bonds between them with the notation shown below to indicate polarity."
A1.1.3—Cohesion of water molecules due to hydrogen bonding and consequences for organisms - "Include transport of water under tension in xylem and the use of water surfaces as habitats due to the effect known as surface tension."
A1.1.4—Adhesion of water to materials that are polar or charged and impacts for organisms - "Include capillary action in soil and in plant cell walls"
A1.1.5—Solvent properties of water linked to its role as a medium for metabolism and for transport in plants and animals - "Emphasize that a wide variety of hydrophilic molecules dissolve in water and that most enzymes catalyse reactions in aqueous solution. Students should also understand that the functions of some molecules in cells depend on them being hydrophobic and insoluble."
A1.1.6—Physical properties of water and the consequences for animals in aquatic habitats - "Include buoyancy, viscosity, thermal conductivity and specific heat. Contrast the physical properties of water with those of air and illustrate the consequences using examples of animals that live in water and in air or on land, such as the black-throated loon (Gavia arctica) and the ringed seal (Pusa hispida)."
A1.1.7 (HL) —Extraplanetary origin of water on Earth and reasons for its retention - "The abundance of water over billions of years of Earth’s history has allowed life to evolve. Limit hypotheses for the origin of water on Earth to asteroids and reasons for retention to gravity and temperatures low enough to condense water."
A1.1.8 (HL)—Relationship between the search for extraterrestrial life and the presence of water - "Include the idea of the “Goldilocks zone”
Activity 1 - Jigsaw Activity
Step 1: Get into Your Groups
1. You are part of two types of groups for this activity:
• Expert Group: This is where you will research one specific topic and become an expert.
• Home Group: After your research, you will return to your Home Group to teach others what you learned.
2. Find your Expert Group assignment:
• Group 1: Water as the Medium for Life & Hydrogen Bonds/Polarity/Cohesion
• Group 2: Adhesion and Solvent Properties
• Group 3: Physical Properties of Water
• Group 4: Aquatic Habitat Impacts
Step 2: Research in Expert Groups (20 minutes)
1. Work with your Expert Group to research your assigned topic. Use the guiding questions below to focus your learning:
Group 1: Water as the Medium for Life & Hydrogen Bonds/Polarity/Cohesion
• Why is water essential for the origin and continuation of life?
• What processes rely on water as a medium?
• How do hydrogen bonds form between water molecules?
• What is the role of hydrogen bonding in cohesion and surface tension?
Group 2: Adhesion and Solvent Properties
• How does adhesion facilitate water movement in plants?
• How do hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances behave in water, and why is this important?
• What are examples of adhesion in biological systems?
Group 3: Physical Properties of Water
• What are water’s physical properties, such as buoyancy, viscosity, thermal conductivity, and specific heat?
• How do these properties make water unique compared to air?
Group 4: Aquatic Habitat Impacts
• How do water’s physical properties affect animals living in aquatic habitats?
• Use examples like the black-throated loon (Gavia arctica) and the ringed seal (Pusa hispida) to explain adaptations to water environments.
2. Create a visual aid to help you teach your topic. This could be a diagram or a chart
Step 3: Teach Your Home Group (20 minutes)
1. Return to your Home Group.
2. Take turns teaching your topic to your group members. When it’s your turn:
• Use your visual aids or notes to explain your topic clearly.
• Include examples or analogies to help your group understand.
• Answer any questions your group members have.
3. As others teach, take notes. Be sure you understand all the topics, as you’ll use this information for the next step.
Step 4: Create a Synthesis (15 minutes)
1. Work as a Home Group to connect all the topics you’ve learned.
2. Create a poster, concept map, or digital presentation that answers this question:
• “How do the unique properties of water make it essential for life and diverse ecosystems?”
3. Your group’s synthesis should:
• Include all the properties of water discussed.
• Use diagrams, key terms, and examples to explain your ideas.
Activity 3 - Physical Properties of Water Reading.
Activity 4 HL Only - Origins of Water and the Goldilocks Zone for Extraterrestrial Life
NOVA: The Goldilocks Zone Video
Why are scientists looking for life on planets with Earthlike qualities?
Name some reasons why scientists believe liquid water is essential for life.
How have microorganisms like the “black patches” in the video evolved to survive in the desert?
Does water exist in space? Explain.
Explain what is meant by “Goldilocks zone.”
A. Strengthen Your Skills
B. Expand Your Knowledge