Teacher Preparation

Introduction

This activity asks small groups of students to choose a small water conservation project to do in their school then design and implement it. The teacher’s challenge will be to make students' ideas realistic so that they will have time to achieve their project without spending anything.

The project can start by problem solving - part of the solution is efficient use of time and without spending anything.

Project ideas

The following are some ideas to get students thinking about the kind of project they may like to do.

Cartoon instructions: Produce cartoon instructions with very few words about how students can wash their hands and waste little water. Produce instructions for use of dual flush toilets. Produce instructions for drinking fountains.

Vegetable garden: If the school has a vegetable garden, design a watering system for it. If parts are not at school to make a watering system, send a letter home asking for leftover parts from families’ homes.

Guided tour: Organise a guided tour for foundation and year one students to be taken around the school and be shown how to reduce their waste of water.

Reusable water bottle day: Organise a special event where students bring their favourite water bottle to school.

Water tank games: If the school has water tanks, design some games that could be done using the curved surface of the tank (get permission if the tanks will be permanently marked). Teach other students your games.

Water conservation tick list: Make a tick list of things students and staff can do to waste less water. Provide each class and staff member with the tick list to go through.

Emergency instructions:Use the idea of an air attendant providing emergency instruction before a flight. Develop a script and props to explain what needs to be done if there is a plumbing leak in the school. Present your skit at a school assembly.

Pot plant watering system: Reuse materials to make watering systems for school pot plants.

Good gardening practice: Identify a school ground that is well designed to use little or no water. Make a poster (use waterproof markers) that explains how to design gardens that don’t need water. Laminate the poster and mount it by the garden.

Broom lessons: Instead of washing down paths, use a broom. Design an education activity that helps other students learn how to use a broom including safety procedures. Use a computer to create a broom license. During breaks provide students with broom lessons and once they have learned to use a broom safely, give them a broom license.

Watering can lessons: Similar to broom lessons.

Rain gauge: Make and install a rain gauge. The rain gauge shows the amount of rainfall so it will need to have accurate markers.

Getting started

Students identify the project they would like to do.
They explain what problem their project will solve.
They estimate how much time they will need.
They list resources they will need.
They will have one idea about how to assess the success of their project e.g., number of students involved.

Designing the project

Once the teacher is satisfied a project is achievable, students can design their project so the design can be submitted to the teacher.
Teacher checks the project and provides feedback. If there are any health and safety issues, the teacher makes sure these are addressed.
Students make changes to the design depending on feedback.

Implement the project

Celebrate

At the conclusion of the projects students do something to celebrate and share their success.
Thank anyone who has helped with the project.

School Water Conservation Project

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Summary

Learning intentions:

Students will...

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Lesson Details

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