All grades  Project 3 weeks

"Water Wars: Quenching Thirst in Mendocino"

Brendan T
5-ESS2-2
HS-ESS2-5
D2.Geo.8.K-2
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
1-pager

Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to engage students in understanding the critical role of water in community health and sustainability. Through hands-on activities and collaboration with local experts, students will explore the challenges of water scarcity and management, comparing their local context to communities facing severe droughts. This project aims to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-directed learning as students investigate real-world water issues and develop innovative solutions for sustainable water use.

Learning goals

Students will investigate the critical role of water in community health, safety, and sustainability by engaging with local experts and examining real-world scenarios. They will develop skills in data analysis and scientific inquiry by graphing water distribution and exploring the impact of droughts. Through collaborative problem-solving, students will design innovative solutions for water conservation and infrastructure, enhancing their understanding of environmental stewardship. By reflecting on their experiences, students will deepen their self-directed learning and critical thinking abilities, fostering a sense of identity and responsibility within their community.
Standards
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] 5-ESS2-2 - Describe and graph the amounts and percentages of water and fresh water in various reservoirs to provide evidence about the distribution of water on Earth.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] HS-ESS2-5 - Plan and conduct an investigation of the properties of water and its effects on Earth materials and surface processes.
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Geo.8.K-2 - Compare how people in different types of communities use local and distant environments to meet their daily needs.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will create a multimedia project, such as a short documentary or digital story, that compares water availability in Mendocino County to a community facing water scarcity. They will incorporate interviews with community partners, insights from their 'Water Journey' journals, and personal reflections. Additionally, students will design and present a model of a rainwater harvesting system or an efficient irrigation method, showcasing their engineering solutions for water conservation. These projects will be shared with the community to raise awareness about water management and conservation strategies.

Launch

Begin the project with a field trip to a local water source in Mendocino County, where students collect water samples and observe the surrounding ecosystem. Follow this with a visit to a community center for an interactive presentation by the water department manager, who will introduce students to the challenges of water management and conservation. Conclude the launch by having students brainstorm questions and topics they are curious about regarding water scarcity, which will guide their inquiry and exploration throughout the project.

Exhibition

Host a community water awareness fair where students present their multimedia projects and 'Water Journey' journals to peers, family members, and local stakeholders. Set up interactive stations featuring hands-on demonstrations of water conservation techniques and engineering solutions designed by the students. Invite community partners, such as the local water department and fire department, to participate and provide feedback, fostering a collaborative dialogue about sustainable water management.