Squeaky-clean water!
Where does our drinking water come from, and where does the water go when the 2.8 million residents of the Lower Mainland flush the toilet…?
Even though most British Columbians today have access to very good water, many Indigenous peoples still do not have access to safe drinking water.
Together we answer this intriguing question with a well-prepared workshop for curious young minds, and above all a large-scale activity where your students rescue LEGO® figures from drowning in their shower!
By building their own drinking water and wastewater system, they understand why it matters to take care of this essential natural resource.
Turning off the tap while brushing teeth: guaranteed!
For 30 more minutes:
If the building allows it, we go on a tour of the school’s sewer and drinking water system!
Learning goals (elementary)
- Describe how drinking water is distributed and how wastewater is treated.
- Describe how people have changed their environment to get drinking water and treat wastewater.
- Describe how water quality affects the environment and people.
- Understand how underground pipes use gravity to carry water to the treatment plant.
Learning goals (secondary)
- Describe the treatments used to distribute drinking water and clean up wastewater.
- Name causes of drinking water shortages (for example, desertification, dams and river diversions, rising demand).
- Describe methods that help pollutants biodegrade.
- Describe how water quality affects the environment and people.
