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Thirsty Planet; World Water Lessons

Secondary, Elementary, Middle

Description

  • The purpose of Thirsty Planet is to enhance students’ awareness of the distribution and value of clean drinking water. Students will develop critical views about managing and sustaining this vital resource.

  • The material is suitable for grades 4 to 8 but may need adaptations for grade 4.

The unit includes:

  • a very thorough teacher’s background guide chalk full of information regarding fresh water and descriptions of the activities and activity handouts (springboard style)
  • a sample reference guide online, as well as print and multimedia resources and field trip opportunities
  • a detailed water glossary for students and teachers
  • a CD-ROM that includes a detailed index, links to ministry-prescribed learning
  • outcomes, photos, additional resources for both teachers and students and a copy of the printed unit

There are a total of 12 easy to use and understand, springboard activities. Each includes goals, materials, instructions and handouts ready to photocopy :

1. Water Quiz - Self test – introductory activity, 20 min
2. Pools of knowledge - Class brainstorm and discussion - knowledge inventory, 1 hr
3. Water Meter - Personal consumption chart – personal tracking, 1.5 hrs over the week
4. Water Challenges – Reading and crossword – world water challenges and BC’s supply, 1.5 hrs
5. Water Outreach – Field trip, guest speaker, or interviews – direct experiences, time varies
6. Water Around the World – Using data to create country profiles – compiling information, 2hrs
7. Waterton River – Water pollution board game – learn about pollution reduction and democracy, 2hrs
8. Is Bottled Better Than Tap – Discussion – uses the inner circle/outer circle organization, 2.5 hrs
9. Water Case Studies – Writing assignment – read about, internalize, share and write, 2hrs
10. Water Facts Cartoon – Wrap-Up Art Assignment – review of topics, 1hr
11. Taking Action – Student Projects – Teaching action tools and using them, 2+hrs
12. Water Quiz Take Two – Self-test retake – reflection on learning, 45 min.

The accompanying CD-Rom contains:

1. BC Ministry of Education Learning Outcomes
2. JPEG photos, in black and white or colour, slide show
3. Resources

  • Printable bottled water analysis sheet that gives instructions for beginning and marking the inner circle outer circle discussion
  • Printable instruction sheet for reading a water meter
  • Printable plain crossword grid
  • A printable organizer for the retell, relate, reflect activity in activity
  • Six printable cartooning sheets to help with drawing and organizing for activity 10

4. Research

  • Printable analysis of the pros and cons of drinking water
  • Printable maps and data for both the Fraser and Mackenzie Watersheds in BC
  • Printable statistics on water by country
  • Printable visual tool for teaching about water in a typical city
  • Printable UN booklet on the water decade 005-2015
  • Printable BC Government report on BC drinking water health
  • Printable Federal Government report on Water

5. A complete, printable copy of the unit

To order this resource, visit ttp://www.codev.org/codev2/whatwedo.cfm?pagenumber=4

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General Assessment

Themes Addressed

Relevant Curriculum Units