Activities to Teach Mathematics in the Context of Environmental Studies
SCIENCE ACTIVITY BOOKS
Chemicals, Health, Environment, and Me (CHEM 2: Enhanced Program)
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Recommended grade level:
6-7.
California Smith, Water Investigator is a 10-lesson unit designed to help students learn about water--where it comes from, how much we use, and how to use it wisely. Much of the material involves socioeconomic issues and information specific to California, but with adaptation it could be used in other areas.
During the unit, students identify the sources of water that supply Southern California, and they learn about the steps and processes in a water distribution system. They discuss issues such as overdraft, cost, supply and demand, and water quality, and they identify possible ways to meet future water needs. Students also complete a home water investigation and assess ways they can be wise with water. At the end of each lesson are suggestions for additional activities--for example, collecting and measuring local rainfall, testing the pH of tap water, charting how much water the school uses on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis; building a solar still; testing toilets for leaks; and researching and writing reports and stories on water-related topics. Teacher demonstrations built into the lessons show how a water filtration plant works, how toxic chemicals get into groundwater, and how water can be desalinated.
Students work through the lessons using a 15-page student book. The teacher's guide includes directions for lessons and demonstrations, ideas for additional activities, background information on water in Southern California, an annotated list of educational resources available from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and a list of children's literature.
The complete unit, which is packaged in a cardboard box, includes the teacher's guide, a videotape in Spanish and English, a poster about water in California, multiple copies of the student booklet, pre- and postunit tests, and other related materials.
Prices:
Kit, $25; free to teachers in Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Consumable kit, $10.
Publisher/supplier:
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
Materials:
Available locally, or from commercial suppliers.
