Students can create a PowerPoint presentation and share their Take Action statements with other 3rd – 5th grade classrooms. They can even challenge classes to come up with their own Take Action commitments. In addition, students will pledge to conserve water every day. They will share three specific examples with their classmates, teachers, family, and community members.
Purpose: The purpose of this activity is to empower students to effect positive change. We can all make a significant difference in water conservation and protection of water sources if we are mindful of our daily activities and choices.
Mantra: “To be noble is to take positive, productive action locally and globally.” Lisa M. Algee
Materials: Recycled sustainable paper, pencil, crayons, markers, computer with PowerPoint and ClipArt.
Common Core Standards:
Writing:
Text Types and Purposes:
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.1 (third), 4.1 (fourth), and 5.1 (fifth) Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.2 (third), 4.2 (fourth), and 5.2 (fifth) Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
Research to Build and Present Knowledge:
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.7 (third) Conduct short research projects that build knowledge about a topic.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.7 (fourth) Conduct short research projects that build through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.7 (fifth) Conduct short research projects that use several sources to build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.8 (third) Recall information from experiences or gather information from print and digital sources; take brief notes on sources and sort evidence into provided categories.
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):
Disciplinary Core Idea Progression:
Earth Space Science Progression (ESS3.C): Societal activities have had major effects on the land, ocean, atmosphere, and even outer space. Societal activities can also help protect Earth’s resources and environments.
What can we all do to conserve water and protect water sources from pollution? Let’s brainstorm 10 ways together. Here are 6 to get you started:
1. Take shorter showers.
2. Pick up litter (even if it’s not yours) which can easily wash down storm drains and into rivers, seas, and oceans.
3. Pick up after your dog. Dog waste can wash down storm drains and cause bacterial growth in streams, creeks, rivers, lakes, and ponds.
4. Plant your own home/school garden or buy local organic produce (vegetables and fruits).
5. Don’t use insecticides or pesticides; they pollute water.
6. Buy recycled sustainable paper. Encourage your school to purchase this paper to save rainforests. Propose this to your school’s government council and make it happen .
References: www.greenschools.net
I pledge
to conserve water every day in the following 3 ways:
1 ____________________________________________________________
2 ____________________________________________________________
3 ____________________________________________________________
