Mission Library

Hydro Heist
Water Distribution
5th Grade

The Mission
26 min

Storyline

Using their knowledge of water distribution, the crew will fix the hydroflux pumps that the Gal-Delilahs damaged

Students start the mission on their way home immediately after Gal-Delilahs attack the ship. They have messed up the power system and stolen the ship’s water supply chambers. The ship needs that water to keep the crew hydrated and to keep the hydroflux pumps running. Those pumps run on freshwater. Without the hydroflux pumps working properly, the crew can’t steer the ship. If they can’t steer, they won’t be able to avoid crashing into the large pile of space debris that they are currently on trajectory to hit in about 30 minutes!. If the ship hit one of those piles of debris, it will tear the ship to shreds and the crew will be done for!

Lucky for them, it looks like an upcoming planet that they are about to float past has water on it. If they can transport some freshwater from there before their ship crashes into the space debris, they will be able to activate the hydroflux pumps, steer around the debris and make it home alive, in one piece! The crew will analyze the water distribution on this planet in order to determine which location to transport the water from.

3-Dimensional Science

Phenomenon

Salt and freshwater is distributed unevenly on Earth.

Science and Engineering Practices

Developing and Using Models

Students will collect data from various models. They will also choose the model that correctly identities the distribution and percentages of salt and freshwater in various locations.

Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

Students will use mathematics and computational thinking to make decisions based on different types of graphs and charts. They will also use math to add percents, calculate equivalent fractions, and calculate area of simple shapes to address scientific questions.

Crosscutting Concepts

Scale, Proportion, and Quantity

Students will use a grid map and graphs to determine quantity of freshwater vs salt water at various locations.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

ESS2.C: The Roles of Water in Earth’s Surface Processes

Nearly all of Earth's available water is in the ocean. Most fresh water is in the glaciers or underground; only a tiny fraction is in streams, lakes, wetlands, and the atmosphere.

Resources
Targeted Standards
Timeline
Skills in Action