Water, water everywhere

Being from the Midwest, we have long had the luxury of nearly unlimited, high-quality water supply. We have all become so conditioned to having this critical resource we don't even think abo... See More

Being from the Midwest, we have long had the luxury of nearly unlimited, high-quality water supply. We have all become so conditioned to having this critical resource we don't even think about where it comes from. That is not the case around the world, and even in this country. As I sit here writing this, the temperature topped 95 today, a drought was declared yesterday, and my neighbors are outside watering their spectacularly green lawns. Meanwhile, just south of the (state) border, there is movement afoot to sell some of our fabulous water to the highest bidders in the desert Southwest, even as suburbs just west of the subcontinental divide discover that there are limits. This article brings fantastic insight into many of the issues facing us today, both locally and around the world. Using interdisciplinary approaches to link the science of water to sociology and history, students can begin to see the importance of managing our water resources. Students compare the amount of water they use to that which they use in a day. The plan could easily be extended to consider water used in processing foods and other activities necessary for their survival. Other extensions and connections include water quality and pollution, analysis of water table data provided by the USGS, and perhaps investigation of related careers.

Man vs Water -- Who Wins

This article proposes several activities related to the importance of water. First the students are introduced to local, state and national organizations that deal with water issues. They ... See More

This article proposes several activities related to the importance of water. First the students are introduced to local, state and national organizations that deal with water issues. They learn that water has been an historical issue. Students then decide who is responsible for these issues – man, nature or both. Lastly they learn how the amount of water is measures when it falls to the ground during a rain event to see if all of the water can be harvested. This is a great way to introduce students to understanding the relationship between man and nature in regard to water.