Where's Our Water? Water Conservation in the Southwest - Lesson for 6-8 Grade Students

Welcome! Thank you for your interest in the USDA Southwest Climate Hub’s lesson on water conservation in the Southwest. This lesson was designed to introduce 6-8 grade students to the causes of water shortages in the Southwest and methods used to conserve water.

 

We partnered with the Asombro Institute for Science Education (asombro.org) to design an engaging, fun, and scientifically rigorous education lesson aligned with Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.

 

The Where’s Our Water lesson was designed to be conducted in 45 minutes and consists of three activities. Students analyze graphs to construct an argument about the future of water shortages, watch a video to learn about traditional water conservation methods that are still used today, then design and build a water conservation system. The educator guide includes suggestions for modified activities that students can complete at home.

 

You may download the entire curriculum at the link below, choose the resources you need from the list below, or click on the links in the left column, which contain links to the supporting materials for each activity taught.

 

To download curriculum:

  • Select resources from left column, or
  • Download Where’s Our Water? complete guide (in PDF), or
  • Select from the list of educator guides and digital resources listed below

 

Interested in learning more about teaching these activities? Please help us organize an educator workshop in your area! Email information@asombro.org(link sends e-mail) for more information about this opportunity.

 

List of educator guides and digital resources