Michigan Curriculum Framework - Benchmarks

• Describe ways in which humans alter the environment. (SCI.III.5.MS.6)
• Locate, describe, and compare the ecosystems, resources, and human
• environment interaction of major regions. (SS.II.2.MS.1)
• Explain how elements of the physical geography (water scarcity)…may influence current events (SS.II.5.MS.1)
• Use economic reasoning to compare price and quality of goods (SS.IV.1.MS.1)

Lesson Overview
Focuses on how we use water in our daily lives. Students calculate weekly water use and predict how their use would change if water was less available or more costly; identify their direct and indirect uses of water; and consider how water is essential to Michigan’s economy and environment.

Essential Questions

• Why is clean, fresh, available water important to humans?
• What are direct and indirect uses of water?
• How would having less water or more expensive water affect Michigan residents?

Objectives
Students will be able to:

1. Calculate household water use.
2. Give examples of direct and indirect uses of water.
3. Discuss why water is essential to Michigan’s economy and environment.
   

• Design and implement a home water conservation plan.
• Compare U.S. water use to that of other countries
  http://www.wateryear2003.org
• Stack plastic gallon jugs to display the amount of water used for different activities.
• Investigate the claim of a looming “Global Water Crisis.”