Learning through adventure sits at the heart of this Talkabout.
When children rush to share a story that excites them, their whole energy changes – and that’s where deep learning begins.

Curious stories about water

In this WOW talkabout pupils discover that extraordinary water stories can be found in the most unexpected places: a disused London underground train station, caves, medieval carp ponds, a city university garage, abandoned air‑raid shelters, a cheese factory and a town centre malthouse.

This WOW Talkabout reveals how curiosity and creativity has transformed a variety of everyday spaces into waterlife adventures.

Pupil experience and skills

During this Talkabout, pupils are encouraged to:

• Ask questions about how and why people use water.

• Imagine and design their own “surprising water places” and projects.

• Share their ideas through storytelling, drawing, drama, or simple investigations around school or home.

• Listen to others and build on each other’s imaginative solutions.

Why Water Stories matter

Exploring these hidden stories helps pupils to see water not just as “something from a tap”, but as a life-giving flow for wildlife habitats, space stations, farms, towns, homes, countryside, schools and businesses.

By recognising how people experiment with water use, learners start to think more about sustainable, ethical, and imaginative ways to work with water in the future.

Curriculum links

• Science: Living things and their habitats; uses of everyday materials; observing over time.

• Geography: Human use of water; how places change; local and global connections.

• English: Storytelling, descriptive language, speaking and listening, performance.

• PSHE / Citizenship: Curiosity, problem-solving, responsibility, and community awareness.

What is your water story?

If you believe in learning by adventure, give your pupils an insight into new ways to express their own ideas and discover the amasing world of water.

For resources or to plan this Talkabout with your class, start your new adventure with us.

Project Examples (Short films):

Related links:

The Soap Revolution and Water
About how everyday products, cleanliness, and chemistry connect to water use and wastewater in the home and industry.

Water in the Home
Relatable examples of hidden water stories in familiar spaces, perfect for follow-up investigations or homework projects.

Ode to a Ton of Sea Water
A poetic, reflective angle that can inspire creative writing, performance, or poetry work linked to the Talkabout’s storytelling focus.

Archive Reference: w15a.7