Students identify the major uses of water in Texas in general and in their daily lives. Then they examine causes of water shortages in Texas. Finally, they consider possible solutions for conserving water in Texas.
Students identify the major uses of water in Texas in general and in their daily lives. Then they examine causes of water shortages in Texas. Finally, they consider possible solutions for conserving water in Texas.
Students view an image of Guadalupe River State Park and read introductory text explaining the importance of water as a natural resource in Texas, including how population growth and drought increase pressure on water supplies. They then respond to a word cloud prompt by listing what they think are the top four uses of water in Texas.
Teacher MovesIntroduce the experience overview and objective, emphasizing that students will explore how limited water resources affect Texas. After students submit word cloud responses, preview that they will soon compare their ideas with data showing the major categories of water use in the state.
Students examine a graph showing that irrigation for agriculture is the most common use of water in Texas and read explanatory text. They read Top Three Water User Categories in Texas to learn more about municipal, agricultural, and industrial water use and conservation strategies, taking notes in a two-column graphic organizer on top water users and ways to reduce water usage. Students then read about municipal (household) water use and answer two polls estimating average daily personal water use and identifying which household activity uses the most water.
Teacher MovesGuide students in interpreting the graph and clarify the meaning of irrigation and municipal water use. Prompt students to capture key ideas and examples in the graphic organizer as they read. After the polls, share data on household water use, including information about toilets, bathing, washing machines, and swimming pools, and facilitate a brief discussion about practical ways to reduce household water consumption, highlighting local regulations and incentives for water-efficient fixtures.
Students read about increasing water scarcity in Texas, focusing on aquifers and how some are being depleted faster than they can refill. They watch Quick Story of Water in Texas and read the first section of The Basics of Groundwater Law in Texas to understand how groundwater and surface water are managed. Students then post to a class wall explaining how Texas laws make it more complicated to keep water flowing. Next, they read about droughts and examine the Texas Droughts chart, using it to answer fill-in-the-blank questions about how many regions experienced drought in specific years.
Teacher MovesClarify key terms such as aquifer and groundwater, and explain the distinction in Texas law between state-owned rivers and privately owned groundwater, noting how overpumping can affect river flow. Use student wall responses to deepen discussion about the challenges of managing water under these laws, optionally extending learning with a case study of the Edwards Aquifer. Support students in interpreting the drought table, checking their answers to the questions about drought years and reinforcing how drought patterns contribute to water shortages across regions.
Students imagine they work for the Texas Water Development Board and write a memo posted to a shared wall outlining their ideas for conserving water in Texas, addressing agricultural, municipal, and industrial uses. They then review classmates’ memos and respond to at least two with a question or positive comment to extend the conversation.
Teacher MovesFrame the memo as an authentic planning task and remind students to draw on what they have learned about major water users, drought, and groundwater law. Encourage students to propose specific, realistic conservation strategies for each sector. Monitor the discussion, prompting students to ask clarifying questions and to provide constructive, evidence-based feedback on peers’ ideas.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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