Water is one of our planet’s most valuable resources—and one of the most fascinating topics to explore with students. As World Water Week approaches on August 24–25, Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) is here to help you dive deeper into lessons about the science, history, and importance of water, both here in Georgia and around the globe. From classroom-ready videos to interactive activities, GPB’s free educational resources can support meaningful discussions about conservation, sustainability, and the vital role water plays in our daily lives. Whether you teach science, social studies, or language arts, you’ll find tools that make this global issue relevant for your students.

1. Georgia Water Virtual Learning Journey 

Developed in partnership with Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District, GPB's Georgia Water Virtual Learning Journey takes students on an interactive experience of all things water. Users will discover where our water comes from, how wastewater is treated, the impact of weather events on Georgia, how to conserve and protect water resources, explore a number of career opportunities in the water industry, and so much more. Designed for students in grades 3-8 and aligned to the Georgia Standards of Excellence, this virtual learning journey presents key concepts through engaging videos, virtual reality, interactive maps and graphics, photo galleries, and informative text. Lesson plans, vocabulary, and fun student activities are also provided to support teachers and enhance learning.

2. How Hurricanes Impact Georgia | Things Explained

In this episode of Things Explained, we dive into the science behind hurricanes--how they form, why they’re so powerful, and the ways they impact the mainland U.S., with a focus on Georgia. We also explore strategies communities use to prepare for storms and reduce damage when hurricanes strike.

3. Live Exploration: Georgia's Water

Explore Georgia's freshwater systems and learn how they supply clean water to residents and businesses across the state in this live exploration! Students will learn about the water cycle, witness how water is treated, hear from a variety of water professionals, and discover ways we can help protect our freshwater systems. This event includes live interactive elements, such as polls and experts who answer students' questions.

4. How Much Water Is on Earth? | Camp GPB

There's a lot of water available on Earth, but how much can actually be used for human consumption? In this episode of Camp GPB, Jackie Sherry at the Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities Department shares a fun demonstration to visualize saltwater versus freshwater and how much of that water is accessible for people to drink. 

5. How Do Ships Float? | Things Explained

In this episode of Things Explained, we discuss how a tiny paper clip sinks in water but a cargo ship weighing 250,000 tons floats. We also explain what density, buoyancy, and a man named Archimedes have to do with this science phenomenon.

6. All About Water | Camp GPB

Learn about the importance of water with the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District! In this episode of Camp GPB, kids will engage in a series of easy activities they can do at home to explore how the water cycle works, the flow of water, and how waste water is treated.