SPMS: A Certified Green School
  • Summary
  • Top 5 Accomplishments
  • Systemic Sustainability
    • 1.1 Curriculum and Instruction >
      • Science: Environmental Literacy Standards
      • 6th Grade Habitat Research Project
      • 6th Grade Storm Water Management Lesson >
        • On Campus: Rain Gardens
        • Off Campus: Storm Water Management Project
      • 6th Grade Ecosystem Tanks
      • 7th Grade Water Quality of the Chesapeake Bay
      • 7th Grade Walking for Water
      • 7th Grade Recycled Rube Goldberg Project
      • 8th Grade Terrapin Connections
      • 8th Grade Language Arts Lesson
      • 8th Grade Weathering Investigation
      • Art Class
      • Environmental Guest Speakers
    • 1.2 Professional Development >
      • 1.2 Science Department Professional Development
      • 1.2 Green Course Professional Development
      • 1.2 2018 Professional Development
      • 1.2 2018 Professional Development
      • 1.2 2016 Professional Development
    • 1.3.1 School-Wide Environmental Behavior
    • 1.3.2 Systemic Partnerships
    • 1.4 Celebration
  • Student Driven Practices
    • 2.1 Water Conservation
    • 2.2 Energy Conservation
    • 2.3 Solid Waste Reduction
    • 2.4 Habitat Restoration
    • 2.6 Responsible Transportation
    • 2.7 Healthy School Environment
  • Partnerships & Awards
    • 3.1 Community Partnerships
    • 3.2 Awards and Special Recognitions

Systemic Sustainability: 1.1 Curriculum and Instruction

7th Grade Lesson: Walking for Water

PictureScience 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.

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