Systemic Sustainability: 1.1 Curriculum and Instruction
7th Grade Lesson: Walking for Water
Science teacher Deb Vandenberg sends the students on a walk around the school carrying gallons of water with them.
To increase awareness of environmental issues, the 7th grade SPMS teachers crafted a series of Advisory lessons entitled "Walking for Water." Students examined the water shortage in other countries, and compared it to the United States. These lessons included a set of readings that addressed how major cities in our own country will have a water crisis in the next two decades: their lifetime! This then sparked the need for the students to learn and develop solutions-oriented thinking. The lessons progressed as students were exposed to the fact that women in other countries have to walk miles to get water, then carry 5-6 gallons home.
To gain perspective, SPMS students participating in these lessons then continued by going outside on a walk around the school building. On the walk back, a second loop, each student was tasked with carrying 1 gallon of water. While this journey paled in comparison to what those women in other cultures face, it gave students a hint of their experience, and planted a seed of appreciation for the environment and instilled a sense of responsibility and stewardship.
The 7th grade science objectives are exceptionally well-positioned for integrating curriculum. While the Walking for Water activities outlined above relate to science class, these lessons are reinforced through the Advisory program as well.
To gain perspective, SPMS students participating in these lessons then continued by going outside on a walk around the school building. On the walk back, a second loop, each student was tasked with carrying 1 gallon of water. While this journey paled in comparison to what those women in other cultures face, it gave students a hint of their experience, and planted a seed of appreciation for the environment and instilled a sense of responsibility and stewardship.
The 7th grade science objectives are exceptionally well-positioned for integrating curriculum. While the Walking for Water activities outlined above relate to science class, these lessons are reinforced through the Advisory program as well.
