Connect
We drink water everyday. What other ways do we depend on clean water?
Why should we care about water? What is the problem with water? Find out in this National Geographic video.
Explore
Find out more about the issues surrounding clean water by exploring these videos.
In 2016, the Standing Rock Sioux nation protested the construction of an oil pipeline near their homes and their source of clean water. In this video, Dallas Goldtooth of the Sioux Dakota Nation explains why his people protested.
In 2014, the water in Flint, Michigan started making people sick. Michigan is surrounded by fresh water, but access to that water is not equal. This Frontline video from PBS was made for adults. You might want to watch it with a grownup so you can talk about it together.
Engage
Ask your teacher for information on how to do this.
After you calculate how much you use, learn what you can do to reduce your water consumption:
- Check out some water-responsible choices: Do You Have a Blue Thumb?
- Watch these videos for more ideas.
Ask your teacher for the school water audit forms.
Ask your teacher to help you find out more about these volunteer opportunities:
- Milwaukee Riverkeepers
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Citizen Lake Monitoring Network
- Water Action Volunteers
In this TED Talk, native Wisconsinite Tina Arrowood talks about salt use and rivers. Share what you learn with your family, neighbors, and local businesses. Talk to your school custodian about salt usage at your school.
Ask your teacher to share this water usage challenge with you and your classmates.
What action could you take in your community to help decrease microplastics in water? Does your school use plastic silverware and straws? How could you convince them to switch to metal silverware and reduce straw usage? Watch what kids are doing in Hawaii!