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Your hidden water footprint (gr 6-8)
Author Information
* Name: Mesfin Mekonnen
* Affiliation: Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, The University of Alabama
* Contact: NA
* Year contributed: 2023
Categories
- Grade Level: grades 6 - 8
- Alabama Course of Study:
gr 5 std 15 Identify the distribution of freshwater and salt water on Earth and construct a graphical representation depicting the amounts and percentages found in different reservoirs.
grade 5 #16 ) Collect and organize scientific ideas that individuals and communities can use to protect Earth's natural resources and its environment
gr 6 #15 ) Analyze evidence to explain how changes in human population, per capita consumption of natural resources, and other human activities affect Earth's systems. gr 6 #16 Implement scientific principles to design processes for monitoring and minimizing human impact on the environment.
Gr 7 #9 ) Engage in argument to defend the effectiveness of a design solution that maintains biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Abstract
This lesson helps students to understand that their water dependency isn’t limited to the water they use for drinking, showering, or laundry. These water uses are known as ‘direct water uses,’ and they usually account for only a small portion of our total water footprint. Water is used in the production of almost everything we use in our daily lives, including food, clothing, leather boots, smartphones, furniture, computers, or automobiles. This water which is hidden in the products is called ‘indirect’ or ‘water footprint’. In this lesson students will explore the often surprising amount of water used in producing everyday products and learn how big their water footprint really is, considering both direct and indirect use.
