Water and Wellbeing

WALT (We Are Learning To)

• Understand how water contributes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• Recognise the importance of drinking water for bodily functions.
• Identify simple daily habits that support hydration and overall health.

Curriculum for Excellence Links

Experiences and Outcomes (Sciences)

• SCN 2-04a: I have explored the functions of the human body and the importance of diet and exercise in maintaining health and wellbeing.
• SCN 2-11a: I can investigate the properties of water in relation to everyday life and health.

Health and Wellbeing (HWB 2-33a)

• I understand how hydration contributes to health and wellbeing.

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Success Criteria

• Can explain why water is important for health.
• Can list at least three ways water helps the body function.
• Demonstrate understanding through a group activity and quiz.

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Resources

• Clear water bottles (one per group of 4)
• Large printed body diagram posters
• Sticky notes and markers
• Simple dyslexia-friendly fact sheets about water and health (large font, sans serif typeface, coloured paper backgrounds)
• Quiz cards with pictorial clues
• Timer or stopwatch

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Lesson Structure (45 minutes)

1. Starter: Hydration Check (5 mins)

• Begin by asking: "Who has had a drink of water today? How much?" Show a water bottle and discuss how much water is recommended daily for children (~1.6 litres).
• Quick fun poll: raise hands to see who drinks water regularly.

2. Introduction: Water’s Role in the Body (10 mins)

• Using the body poster, explain simply how water is in every part of the body — blood, brain, muscles, skin.
• Highlight 3 main functions:
  • Keeps us hydrated so we don't get tired or dizzy
  • Helps carry nutrients and oxygen around the body
  • Regulates body temperature to keep us healthy
• Use sticky notes for students to add one thing they think water helps with to the body poster (e.g., “brain”, “skin”, “energy”).

3. Main Activity: Water Detectives (15 mins)

• Divide class into 7 groups of 4. Each group receives:
  • A clear water bottle to observe water’s clarity and importance
  • Dyslexia-friendly fact sheet about a specific water benefit (digestion, brain function, skin health, temperature control, joint lubrication, waste removal, energy levels)
  • Quiz cards with simple question/illustration pairs related to their fact sheet
• Groups read aloud (partner reading to support learners) and discuss facts, then test each other with quiz cards.
• Teacher circulates offering support and using questioning to deepen understanding.

4. Reflection and Sharing (10 mins)

• Groups share their water benefit and one fun fact with the class.
• Teacher consolidates and reinforces key learning points using simple language and visual aids.
• Class brainstorms daily habits that help maintain good hydration (e.g., drink water before/during exercise, drink water instead of sugary drinks, eat fruits with water). Lists ideas on board.

5. Plenary Quiz (5 mins)

• Quick whole-class quiz using thumbs up/thumbs down or flashcards. Examples:
  • “Water helps our brain work better.” (True)
  • “We only need to drink water when we feel very thirsty.” (False)
  • “Water helps to control our body temperature.” (True)

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Differentiation Strategies

• Support for Diverse Learners:
  • Dyslexia-friendly text sheets with visuals.
  • Pair reading and peer support in groups.
  • Use of clear, simple language and repetition.
  • Body posters to provide concrete visual representation.
• Advanced Learners:
  • Extension task: Investigate what happens if the body is dehydrated using online videos or books (to be done at home or during free time).
  • Create a short “Water Tips” poster for younger students or the school noticeboard.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Observation of group discussions and reading participation.
• Quiz card accuracy in water detective activity.
• Contribution to class reflection brainstorm.
• Responses during plenary quiz.

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Additional Notes

• Ensure water bottles are clearly labelled with student names to avoid sharing germs.
• Encourage students to keep a water bottle with them in class daily as a healthy habit.
• Consider follow-up cross-curricular links with PE (importance of hydration during exercise) and Health & Wellbeing (making healthy choices).

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By connecting science knowledge about water to everyday healthy habits and embodying Curriculum for Excellence principles, this lesson promotes inquiry, understanding, and personal wellbeing for Year 3 pupils.