Humans, the Environment, and the Great Plains:

I'd Like Some Water to Drink, Please.

Background: Improving the quality of our drinking water is a much talked about issue; but very few of us realize how much of this clean drinking water we waste in the course of our everyday routine activities.

Objective: Students are made aware of the amount of clean water wasted as we wait for the water to become cold in our taps. Students make predictions both in the amount of time and the quantity of water wasted. They collect data for both the kitchen and the bathroom sinks. Students then use their calculators to find the class average of time and water wasted per sink. They then use projections and calculate the amount wasted per day per person and make projections based on the population of their city, state, and country per day, month, and year. A large graph is then plotted showing these projections which makes quite and impressive and eye-opening picture. Finally, students discuss possible solutions and place the graph in a strategic spot for other students to observe.

Plan:

1. Students make their predictions in class both in the amount of time and the quantity of water wasted for the water to become cold in the tap. They then collect their data in their homes that evening.
2. The next day, students figure out the class average using their calculators. With this information and previously collected information on population they make projections of water wasted per day per person based on the populations of their city or town, state, and country.
3. A large graph with an explanation of the information is constructed. This graph is then placed where all the students and staff can benefit from the findings.

Testing, Grading, and Evaluation:

1. This activity extends the measurement unit and correlates it to water conservation.
2. Ask students to suggest solutions to the problem. (One simple solution can be putting drinking water in bottles in the refrigerator for cooling.)
3. Similar calculations can be made for water wasted in other everyday activities like brushing teeth, shaving, taking long showers, etc.

Primary Course: Social Studies

Applicable Grades: 3 - 6

Materials Needed: Vessel to collect water, stop watch or clock with the seconds hand, calculators, large sheets of paper for graph, magic markers for drawing the graph, previously collected data on population of city, state, and country

Related Courses: Mathematics

Time Required: Two 1-hour sessions

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