Lesson summary
In this activity students conduct an audit of water use at their school. The aim of the activity is to: use the school water meters to find out how much water your school uses in an average week and what the usage patterns are; find out where water is being used wisely at your school; find out where water is being wasted and sites of improvement; and communicate findings to the school community.
Learning intentions:
Students will...
- understand how to read a water meter and recognise ways to interpret meter data.
- recognise where their school is already using water wisely.
- recognise sites where water could be used more efficiently.
Lesson guides and printables
Lesson details
Curriculum mapping
Australian Curriculum content descriptions:
Geography Year 5:
- Locate and collect relevant information and data from primary and secondary sources (ACHASSI095)
- Present ideas, findings, viewpoints and conclusions in a range of texts and modes that incorporate source materials, digital and non-digital representations and discipline-specific terms and conventions (ACHASSI105)
- Reflect on learning to propose personal and/or collective action in response to an issue or challenge, and predict the probable effects (ACHASSI104)
Geography Year 6:
- Locate and collect relevant information and data from primary and secondary sources (ACHASSI123)
- Present ideas, findings, viewpoints and conclusions in a range of texts and modes that incorporate source materials, digital and non-digital representations and discipline-specific terms and conventions (ACHASSI133)
- Reflect on learning to propose personal and/or collective action in response to an issue or challenge, and predict the probable effects (ACHASSI132)
Cross curriculum priorities:
Sustainability – OI.1 – The biosphere is a dynamic system providing conditions that sustain life on Earth.
General capabilities: Numeracy, Critical and creative thinking
Syllabus Outcomes:Â GE3-4.Â
Connecting lessons: Stormwater audit – must be completed as a compulsory action.
Resources required
- Map of school grounds (if no hard copy available, use Google Maps)
- Access to school water meter
- Internet access
- Student worksheet
Additional info
This lesson can be used when working on the Water Module of ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic Certification. By completing this lesson you will have completed the following actions:
Water Checklist Compulsory Actions:
- A1 – Have you completed an audit to assess water usage and stormwater collection around your school?
- A1 – Have you collected data on past water usage for at least two years?
- A1 – Has this data been entered as your baseline data?
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