World Water Day: The Role of Education in Promoting Freshwater Sustainability

In this lesson from SubjectToClimate, students explore the water cycle, examining climate change's effects on it. They reflect on their water usage, watch a demonstration on climate impacts on the water cycle, interact with a diagram, view a video and answer journal questions to deepen understanding.

Environmental racism and its effects on water quality in communities of color is an ongoing, severe and often silent issue that is related to a pervasive history of community disinvestment, residential segregation and discrimination. The ongoing water contamination crisis in Jackson, Miss., a city with an 82 percent Black population, continues to make headlines after the city told residents not to drink the water, and even to keep their mouths closed when showering. This lesson from Andy Kratochvil examines the crisis, watershed and pollutants, and political divisions caused by water supplies.

In this lesson from SubjectToClimate, students dive into water conservation's significance, especially amid climate changes. They'll craft a timeline showcasing Native Hawaiian sustainable water practices and spearhead a community law focused on water preservation. Through understanding their water sources, assessing personal water footprints and exploring historical conservation efforts, students are guided to design and advocate for innovative water conservation policies.

In this "Today’s News, Tomorrow’s Lesson" from Andy Kratochvil, students delve into the critical issue of groundwater depletion, examining topics such as aquifer functions, the effects on agriculture, water management by authorities, climate change's impact on coastal water security, and the challenges faced by a sinking valley.

In this lesson from SubjectToClimate, students will explore the concept of watersheds and their significance, including human influences and conservation strategies. They'll reflect on their personal water use and the vital role local watersheds serve in their community. Through two interactive activities, students gain a hands-on understanding of watershed dynamics and human impacts. Finally, they'll creatively express the value of watershed health through poetry or stories and engage with their watershed council, emphasizing community involvement in environmental stewardship.

Colombia, known for its size and unmatched biological diversity, is the world's second-most biodiverse country, with over 300 ecosystems, including the unique páramo near Bogotá. During the virtual field trip, students learn about the importance of conserving water resources, exploring how natural systems contribute to water storage and purification, essential for supplying the city downstream. Through learning about these natural water processes and local conservation efforts, this lesson from the Nature Conservancy helps students gain a deeper appreciation of water as a vital resource and the actions needed to protect it in their own communities.

No matter our distance from water, we're part of a watershed. Use this engaging lesson from the Ocean School to explore how plastics find their way into these vital water systems and to grasp the significance of tackling plastic pollution. Engage in a hands-on challenge to link various plastics to their origins. Students will harness mapping skills to pinpoint their watershed and identify local plastic pollution sources, symbolizing their findings. The activity concludes with a critical discussion on the journey of plastics into waterways, fostering a deeper environmental consciousness.

In this lesson from Rock and Roll Forever Foundation/TeachRock, students listen to Flint, Mich.-based rapper Jon Connor’s song “Fresh Water for Flint” to better understand the sense of frustration and injustice people living in the city felt during the water crisis. Students then experiment with creating their own water filtration system to better understand the scientific and engineering principles behind water treatment. Last, they consider the biological effects of lead poisoning and determine specific, political, economic and scientific causes behind the Flint water crisis.

This guide from the Nature Conservancy outlines the "Gray, Green, Blue: Water Security and YOU!" series, detailing four lessons with background info, essential questions, standards, objectives, vocabulary, materials and more. It equips students to discuss the importance of securing water for growing cities, identify sustainable water security solutions, explore the use of water funds for source protection, and understand the individual's role in enhancing water security.

In this lesson from the Global Oneness Project, students view photographs documenting the Flint, Mich., water crisis and explore the themes of environmental justice and the consequences of corruption. Residents of Flint have been facing a water crisis since 2014, caused by poor decision-making by the state government regarding the source and treatment of Flint's drinking water. The crisis calls into question citizens' rights to clean water and how our natural resources are allocated across racial and income lines.