Informational
Article
A WORLD
OF WATER
by Carly Schuna
PAIRED
READ
Taking Action
CV_CR14_LR_G6_U3W5L50_A_118633.indd 3
12/03/12 11:18 AM
Program: CR 14
Component: LR
Vendor: Learning Media
Level: 50
G6U3W5-A
PDF
STRATEGIES & SKILLS
Comprehension
Vocabulary
Strategy: Ask and Answer
Questions
Skill: Main Idea and Key Details
Vocabulary Strategy
advocates, commonplace,
designate, initial, insulation,
invasive, irrational, optimal
Content Standards
Synonyms and Antonyms
Science
Earth Science
Word Count: 1,588**
Photography Credit: Comstock Images/PictureQuest
**The total word count is based on words in the running text and headings only. Numerals and words in captions,
labels, diagrams, charts, and sidebars are not included.
Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by
any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written consent of The
McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., including, but not limited to, network storage or transmission, or
broadcast for distance learning.
Send all inquiries to:
McGraw-Hill Education
Two Penn Plaza
New York, New York 10121
ISBN: 978-0-02-118633-4
MHID: 0-02-118633-2
Printed in the United States.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 DOC 15 14 13 12 11 10
A
IFCIBC_CR14_LR_G6_U3W5L50_A_118633.indd 2
12/03/12 10:53 AM
Program: CR 14
Component: LR
Vendor: Learning Media
Level: 50
G6U3W5-A
PDF
Essential Question
What steps can people take to promote a
healthier environment?
A WORLD
OF WATER
by Carly Schuna
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Chapter 1
Dirty Water. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chapter 2
In Short Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Chapter 3
Water, Water, Everywhere. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Respond to Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
PAIRED
READ
Taking Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Focus on Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
001_009_CR14_LR_G6_U3W5L50_A_118633.indd 1
12/03/12 11:00 AM
Program: CR 14
Component: LR
Vendor: Learning Media
Level: 50
G6U3W5-A
PDF
INTRODUCTION
Earth is both beautiful and fragile. All of our
planet’s resources need protection. The air we breathe
and the water we drink are at risk.
The number of people on Earth is constantly
growing. This has caused problems for the
environment. One of the biggest problems is the
shortage of clean water.
In many places, people can turn on the faucet
to get clean, safe water. In these areas, water is
commonplace. People might not think about where
water comes from. However, there is a lack of clean
water in many places around the world. Trying to get
safe water to these places is very difficult.
2
001_009_CR14_LR_G6_U3W5L50_A_118633.indd 2
12/03/12 11:00 AM
Program: CR 14
Component: LR
Vendor: Learning Media
Level: 50
G6U3W5-A
PDF
Most drinking water comes from lakes, rivers, and
groundwater. Groundwater is water from rain and snow
that has soaked into the ground. Some places do not
have enough drinking water. If there is water, it might
not be safe to drink.
People and governments can help with this
problem. People can help by conserving, or saving,
water. Governments can pass laws to make sure
(bkgd) Ingram Publishing, (b) Stefano Salvetti/Digital Vision/Photodisc/Getty Images
people have access to clean water.
to drink.
Water in rivers and lakes might not be safe
3
001_009_CR14_LR_G6_U3W5L50_A_118633.indd 3
12/03/12 11:00 AM
Program: CR 14
Component: LR
Vendor: Learning Media
Level: 50
G6U3W5-A
PDF
CHAPTER 1
DIRTY WATER
There are about 7 billion people on Earth. Almost
1 billion people do not have access to safe water.
Problems with safe water affect countries all
over the world. The worst situations are in African
nations such as Ethiopia, Chad, and Angola. Less than
50 percent of the people in these countries have
clean water. Many people have no running water or
plumbing in their homes. The only water they have is
contaminated. They may have to walk long distances
to get this water.
Safe Drinking Water in Africa
Percentage of People
with Access to Safe
Drinking Water
91-100%
91-100%
76-90%
76-90%
50-75%
50-75%
under 50%
under 50%
no data
available
no data
available
4
001_009_CR14_LR_G6_U3W5L50_A_118633.indd 4
12/03/12 11:00 AM
Program: CR 14
Component: LR
Vendor: Learning Media
Level: 50
G6U3W5-A
PDF
Water is unsafe in these countries for many reasons.
Sometimes it contains animal or human waste. It might
have other invasive elements, such as viruses or bacteria.
Nearly 5,000 children die in Africa every day from
drinking unsafe water. Adults get sick from unsafe
water, too. Sick adults can’t take care of their families.
Many adults spend a lot of time finding and
carrying water. Sometimes children have to help with
(bkgd) Ingram Publishing, (b) Lissa Harrison
this job, so they might not be able to go to school.
The lack of clean water means thes
e women have to wash
clothes in a muddy stream.
5
001_009_CR14_LR_G6_U3W5L50_A_118633.indd 5
12/03/12 11:00 AM
Program: CR 14
Component: LR
Vendor: Learning Media
Level: 50
50-59
G6U3W5-A
Template
PDF
1R
Digging a well is a simple way to give people clean
water. A well draws water from deep in the ground.
Wells provide insulation against the pollutants on
Earth’s surface.
A THIRST TO HELP
Even children can act as advocates for people who
need clean water. In 1998, a six-year-old boy named
Ryan Hreljac learned in school about the water problem
in Africa. He wanted to help. Ryan’s initial project was
to raise the money needed to dig a well in Uganda.
The well would provide a safe source of drinking water
for the local people.
Ryan’s Well Foundation
Ryan still works with
his foundation to help
people who don’t
have water.
6
001_009_CR14_LR_G6_U3W5L50_A_118633.indd 6
12/03/12 11:00 AM
Program: CR 14
Component: LR
Vendor: Learning Media
Level: 50
50-59
G6U3W5-A
Template
PDF
1R
Ryan did extra
chores to raise
money for the well.
He asked others to
designate money too.
One year later, the
well was built. The
well is still providing
clean, safe water to
people in Uganda.
Ryan wanted to
do more to help.
He started a charity
called the Ryan’s Well
(bkgd) Ingram Publishing, (t) McPHOTO/Blickwinkel/Age Fotostock
Foundation. This charity
has raised millions of
dollars and brought
clean water to hundreds
of thousands of people.
Many people have access to
clean water because of the
Ryan’s Well Foundation.
STOP AND CHECK
y
Why is the water supply in parts
of Africa unsafe?
7
001_009_CR14_LR_G6_U3W5L50_A_118633.indd 7
12/03/12 11:00 AM
Program: CR 14
Component: LR
Vendor: Learning Media
Level: 50
G6U3W5-A
PDF
CHAPTER 2
IN SHORT SUPPLY
Some people do not have access to clean water.
Other people do not have any water at all. Water
shortages are common in northern Mexico and the
southwest of the United States. The climate there is
hot and sunny. There are few large bodies of water
and very little rain. Droughts, or long periods without
rain, are common.
When an area does not receive enough water,
governments import it from other places. This is not
an optimal solution because importing water is difficult
and expensive.
Pete McBride/National Geographic/Getty Images
from
it rains very little
In northern Mexico,
September to May.
8
001_009_CR14_LR_G6_U3W5L50_A_118633.indd 8
12/03/12 11:00 AM
Program: CR 14
Component: LR
Vendor: Learning Media
Level: 50
G6U3W5-A
PDF
Drought is usually linked to other water management
problems including climate change and pollution.
THE ROLE OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change is a worldwide shift in weather
patterns. There are changes to rainfall, temperature,
and wind. Many scientists believe climate change is
caused by gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon
dioxide and methane. These are called greenhouse
gases. Driving cars, cutting down forests, and other
human activities produce greenhouse gases.
These gases build up in Earth’s atmosphere. The
gases trap the sun’s heat. Over time this causes
(bkgd) Ingram Publishing
changes in the weather, including droughts.
9
001_009_CR14_LR_G6_U3W5L50_A_118633.indd 9
12/03/12 11:00 AM
Program: CR 14
Component: LR
Vendor: Learning Media
Level: 50
G6U3W5-A
PDF
POLLUTION PLAYS A PART
Climate change and drought have made water
less plentiful in dry areas. They have made drinking
water even scarcer. Some dry areas, such as northern
Mexico and the southwest of the United States, have
polluted sources.
The Colorado River provides water for Las Vegas,
Nevada, and for Phoenix, Arizona. Unfortunately, the
river is polluted with human waste, toxic chemicals,
and radioactive materials. The water is treated, but
its quality is still poor. Drinking the water can make
people sick.
(bkgd) Ingram Publishing, (b) Comstock Images/PictureQuest
another problem. Their drinking water comes from
10
010_018_CR14_LR_G6_U3W5L50_A_118633.indd 10
12/03/12 11:42 AM
Program: CR 14
Component: LR
Vendor: Learning Media
Level: 50
G6U3W5-A
PDF
How can people fix the problems caused by climate
change, drought, and pollution? Desalination is one
possible solution. This technique takes salt and other
minerals out of sea water. This makes sea water safe
to drink. Desalination is expensive. However, it might
become cheaper as technology develops.
Governments can help, too. Laws can regulate how
g
water is used. This can help conserve water.
STOP AND CHECK
g
g
g
How can climate change and
pollution affect the water supply?
tap water
Contaminants
These contaminants, which are found in the Colorado River
and other waterways, can cause many health problems.
ARSENIC: cancer; skin and circulatory problems
CADMIUM: kidney damage
CHROMIUM: skin problems and allergies
COPPER: stomach, liver, and kidney problems
LEAD: kidney problems; high blood pressure
11
010_018_CR14_LR_G6_U3W5L50_A_118633.indd 11
12/03/12 11:42 AM
Program: CR 14
Component: LR
Vendor: Learning Media
Level: 50
G6U3W5-A
PDF
CHAPTER 3
WATER, WATER,
EVERYWHERE
surface. It seems that there should be plenty of water
for everyone. However, most of this water is sea water.
Only a small percentage is fresh water. Of this fresh
water, only a small amount is safe to drink.
If we could distribute Earth’s clean water equally
around the world, it would save thousands of lives
every year. People would not get sick from drinking
dirty water. Unfortunately, some places have much
more water than they need. Other places have
(bkgd) Ingram Publishing, (b) Denis Dryashkin/YAY Micro/Age Fotostock
Water covers about three-quarters of Earth’s
much less.
Leaky pipes waste water.
12
010_018_CR14_LR_G6_U3W5L50_A_118633.indd 12
12/03/12 11:42 AM
Program: CR 14
Component: LR
Vendor: Learning Media
Level: 50
G6U3W5-A
PDF
There are ways to
improve the supply
of water. Repairing or
replacing water networks
that leak can save
thousands of gallons
each year.
Most people cannot
replace or repair water
networks on their own.
However, they can talk
to government officials.
They can vote for
Thinkstock/CORBIS
improvements to how
water is managed.
People can also use
less water. Water flows
from a tap at the rate
of about 4 gallons per
Water treatment plants filter
water and use chemicals to
remove contaminants.
minute. People can save
a lot of water by turning off the tap when they are
brushing their teeth or soaping their hands.
13
010_018_CR14_LR_G6_U3W5L50_A_118633.indd 13
12/03/12 11:42 AM
Program: CR 14
Component: LR
Vendor: Learning Media
Level: 50
G6U3W5-A
PDF
Cleaning up lakes and rivers can also help solve
water problems. Water is constantly flowing. This
means that contaminated water travels through the
entire water cycle. It shows up again and again.
the Water CYCle
WATER IN CLOUDS
2. CONDENSATION
3. RAIN
SNOW, SLEET,
OR HAIL
5. SURFACE RUNOFF
SNOWMELT
RUNOFF
STREAM RUNOFF
4
GROUNDWATER
Illustration: Yasin Karadeniz
1
EVAPORATION
FRESH WATER
6.
1. Heat from the sun makes ocean water evaporate into the air.
2. Water in the air condenses into clouds.
3. The water falls to Earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
4. On land some water seeps into the ground and is stored
as groundwater.
5. Some water flows across the surface as runoff and is collected
in streams, lakes, and rivers.
6. Water slowly finds its way back to the ocean again.
14
010_018_CR14_LR_G6_U3W5L50_A_118633.indd 14
12/03/12 11:42 AM
Program: CR 14
Component: LR
Vendor: Learning Media
Level: 50
G6U3W5-A
PDF
Creatas/PunchStock
The pollution in this
water will travel many
miles downstream.
Pollution travels a long way. For this reason, people
need to try to keep the water in their area clean.
There are easy ways that people can help with
this. They can avoid dumping harmful products
such as paint into sinks and drains. They can use
environmentally safe household products. They can
limit the use of fertilizers and pesticides. They can
make sure not to litter in rivers, lakes, and oceans.
By following these steps, people can help keep water
clean and safe for everyone.
STOP AND CHECK
What can people do to help conserve
the water supply in their area?
15
010_018_CR14_LR_G6_U3W5L50_A_118633.indd 15
12/03/12 11:42 AM
Program: CR 14
Component: LR
Vendor: Learning Media
Level: 50
G6U3W5-A
PDF
CONCLUSION
The problem of how to manage Earth’s supply of
clean water is serious, but it can be solved. The key
is finding solutions that are affordable and long lasting.
Many methods can improve the water situation.
Filtering, purifying, and importing water all help.
Building wells helps, too. But Earth’s population is
growing, so the demand for water is increasing.
the Water
Crisis at a Glance
• One in eight people do not have access to safe
drinking water.
• About 13 gallons (50 liters) of water a day are needed
to meet an average person’s basic needs.
• Many people have access to only about 1 gallon
(5 liters) of water a day, and it is often contaminated.
• Diseases related to contaminated water are the largest
cause of death for children under age five.
16
010_018_CR14_LR_G6_U3W5L50_A_118633.indd 16
12/03/12 11:42 AM
Program: CR 14
Component: LR
Vendor: Learning Media
Level: 50
G6U3W5-A
PDF
In the future, desalination may supply abundant safe
water. There may be new ways to filter polluted water.
Many other methods for improving the water supply
are being tested. One invention is called the Dew
Bank. The Dew Bank can collect and store water from
the atmosphere overnight. The device is modeled on
the fog-basking beetle. This insect uses the ridges and
furrows on its back to gather moisture from fog.
Water management is a complex environmental
challenge. By following simple steps, we can all help
work toward a solution.
(bkgd) Ingram Publishing, (b) NHPA/SuperStock
Dew collects on the fogbasking beetle’s back an
d forms
droplets the beetle can
drink.
17
010_018_CR14_LR_G6_U3W5L50_A_118633.indd 17
12/03/12 11:42 AM
Program: CR 14
Component: LR
Vendor: Learning Media
Level: 50
G6U3W5-A
PDF
Summarize
Use the most important details
Main Idea
from A World of Water to
summarize the steps people
are taking to create a healthier
environment. Your graphic
organizer may help.
Detail
Detail
Detail
Text Evidence
1. Identify some of the features that tell you that
A World of Water is an informational article. GENRE
2. Why is access to clean water an urgent issue in
African countries? How are people helping to solve
this problem? MAIN IDEA AND KEY DETAILS
3. What is the meaning of the word scarcer on page 10?
Use context clues to find an antonym for scarcer. What
is a synonym for scarcer? SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS
4. Write about the factors that contribute to the water
shortages discussed in Chapter 2. What are some ways
that local governments respond to these drought
conditions? WRITE ABOUT READING
18
010_018_CR14_LR_G6_U3W5L50_A_118633.indd 18
12/03/12 11:42 AM
Program: CR 14
Component: LR
Vendor: Learning Media
Level: 50
G6U3W5-A
PDF
Compare Texts
Read an article arguing that it’s up to ordinary
citizens, not politicians, to help the environment.
TAKING ACTION
Many people believe that we need government
regulations to keep the planet healthy. Some laws do
help. However, personal actions are more effective than
official rules.
Energy conservation can be better managed by
people than by regulations. Currently there are no laws
to make American citizens limit their use of resources.
People are not told to turn their lights off or to take
brief showers. Instead people make their own choices
about using resources.
19
019_024_CR14_LR_G6_U3W5L50_A_118633.indd 19
12/03/12 11:04 AM
Program: CR 14
Component: LR
Vendor: Learning Media
Level: 50
G6U3W5-A
PDF
In many cases, it would not be practical to regulate
how people use water. Imagine a law that requires
people to use water for one minute less each day. If
every American did this, the country would save more
than 8 billion gallons of water every week. Passing
such a law, however, would be irrational. There would
be no way to enforce it.
Laws that protect the planet should be easy to
enact. Unfortunately, a bill goes through many steps
before it becomes law. The process can take years.
Scott J. Ferrell/CQ-Roll Call Group/Congressional Quarterly/Getty Images
Individuals and groups can make changes much faster.
Proposed regulations are often debated for hours in
congressional sessions.
20
019_024_CR14_LR_G6_U3W5L50_A_118633.indd 20
12/03/12 11:04 AM
Program: CR 14
Component: LR
Vendor: Learning Media
Level: 50
G6U3W5-A
PDF
CarbonFund.org shows how a private group can be
effective. This organization raises money for projects
that will offset carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon
dioxide is a harmful greenhouse gas. These emissions
are caused by human actions, such as burning oil
and using computers, cars, and other machinery. On
average, each American produces 38,000 pounds of
carbon dioxide emissions a year.
CarbonFund.org has offset more than 5 billion
pounds of carbon dioxide since 2003. Could any
government ever offset that much?
Every person has the ability to conserve water.
Relying on laws to take care of the planet is a flawed
strategy. Taking personal responsibility means everyone
can make a difference.
Make Connections
In Taking Action, what steps does the author
suggest to help create a healthier environment?
ESSENTIAL QUESTION
What do A World of Water and Taking Action tell
you about the ways that people can begin to take
responsibility for promoting a healthier environment?
TEXT TO TEXT
21
019_024_CR14_LR_G6_U3W5L50_A_118633.indd 21
12/03/12 11:04 AM
Program: CR 14
Component: LR
Vendor: Learning Media
Level: 50
G6U3W5-A
PDF
Glossary
access (AK-ses) a way to get or use something (page 3)
contaminated (kuhn-TA-muh-nayt-id) dirty, infected,
or unfit to be used (page 4)
distribute (di-STRI-byewt) spread out over an area
(page 12)
enact (in-AKT) make into a law (page 20)
enforce (in-FAWRS) make something happen (page 20)
management (MA-nij-muhnt) controlling or making
decisions about something (page 9)
networks (NET-wuhrks) systems of parts that connect
with each other (page 13)
official (uh-FI-shuhl) set by a legal or other authority
(page 19)
offset (AWF-set) cancel out or compensate for (page 21)
pollutants (puh-LEW-tuhnts) substances that make
natural resources unsafe to use (page 6)
radioactive (ray-dee-oh-AK-tiv) having an unsafe form of
energy called radiation (page 10)
regulate (RE-gyuh-layt) make rules that control
something (page 11)
source (sawrs) the place something comes from (page 6)
strategy (STRA-tuh-jee) a method or plan (page 21)
22
019_024_CR14_LR_G6_U3W5L50_A_118633.indd 22
12/03/12 11:04 AM
Program: CR 14
Component: LR
Vendor: Learning Media
Level: 50
G6U3W5-A
PDF
Index
African clean water shortages, 4–6
American energy use, 19, 21
carbon dioxide, 9, 21
CarbonFund.org, 21
climate change, 9–11
Colorado River, 10, 11
conservation, 3, 11, 13, 16, 19–21
desalination, 11, 17
Dew Bank, 17
drought, 8–11
fog-basking beetle, 17
greenhouse gases, 9, 21
Hreljac, Ryan, 6, 7
northern Mexico, 8, 10
pollution, 6, 9–11, 14, 15, 17
Ryan’s Well Foundation, 7
southwestern United States, 8, 10
Uganda, 6, 7
water cycle, 14
23
019_024_CR14_LR_G6_U3W5L50_A_118633.indd 23
12/03/12 11:04 AM
Program: CR 14
Component: LR
Vendor: Learning Media
Level: 50
G6U3W5-A
PDF
Purpose To understand that contaminated water is very
hard to purify
Procedure
Step 1
Stir a teaspoon of soil, a teaspoon of sand, and
some small pebbles into a jar of water.
Step 2
Place a coffee filter in a large funnel. Put the end of
the funnel in a glass jar.
Step 3
Carefully pour the water into the filter. Watch
what happens.
Step 4
When all the water has passed through the filter,
take the funnel out of the jar. Look at what is in the
filter. Look at what is in the jar.
Conclusion Once dirt and smaller particles have found their
way into water, it’s hard to make the water clean again. You
can remove some of the larger particles, such as the sand,
pebbles, and pieces of soil, but the water will still be dirty.
24
019_024_CR14_LR_G6_U3W5L50_A_118633.indd 24
12/03/12 11:04 AM
Program: CR 14
Component: LR
Vendor: Learning Media
Level: 50
G6U3W5-A
PDF
Literature Circles
Nonfiction
The Topic
What is A World of Water mostly about?
Text Structure
What is the main idea in A World of Water?
What details does the author give to support
the main idea?
Vocabulary
What new words did you learn? How did they
help you understand the main idea of the text?
Author’s Purpose
Why did the author write A World of Water?
What did she want you to understand?
Make Connections
Do you live in, or know of, a place that has
little water? How do people deal with the lack
of water?
IFCIBC_CR14_LR_G6_U3W5L50_A_118633.indd 3
12/03/12 10:53 AM
Program: CR 14
Component: LR
Vendor: Learning Media
Level: 50
G6U3W5-A
PDF
A Greener Future
Science
GR T • Benchmark 50 • Lexile [t/k]
Grade 6 • Unit 3 Week 5
www.mheonline.com
ISBN-13 978-0-02-118633-4
MHID 0-02-118633-2
99701
EAN
9 780021 186334
CV_CR14_LR_G6_U3W5L50_A_118633.indd 2
6
12/03/12 11:18 AM
Program: CR 14
Component: LR
Vendor: Learning Media
Level: 50
G6U3W5-A
PDF