Activity Introduction

Quick summary: In this activity students investigate the number of water sources around their school. Students begin by suggesting ways they use water at their school and where the water comes from for these activities (i.e. taps, drinking fountains etc). Students then take a walk around the school grounds and mark on a map of the school all these sources of water. Finally, students work in groups to make water saving posters for these water sources.

NOTE: Although this activity has been created in support of the ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic program you will not meet the data goals of the program through this activity.

This activity has been created to give younger students – for whom the official water audit would be too complex – an opportunity to participate in the water component of the ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic program. To gain accreditation your school will still need to complete the more complex water audit.

Australian Curriculum Links:

Cross curriculum priorities

Sustainability – OI.1 – The biosphere is a dynamic system providing conditions that sustain life on Earth.

General capabilities

Numeracy, Critical and creative thinking

Explicit content description

Science Year 1

  • People use science in their daily lives, including when caring for their environment and living things (ACSHE022)
 

Mathematics Year 1

  • Recognise, model, read, write and order numbers to at least 100. Locate these numbers on a number line (ACMNA013)
 

Geography Year 1

  • Collect data and information from observations and identify information and data from sources provided (ACHASSI019)
 

Science Year 2

  • Earth’s resources, including water, are used in a variety of ways (ACSSU032)
  • People use science in their daily lives, including when caring for their environment and living things (ACSHE035)
 

Geography Year 2

  • Collect data and information from observations and identify information and data from sources provided (ACHASSI035)
 

Science Year 3

  • Science knowledge helps people to understand the effect of their actions (ACSHE051) 
 

Geography Year 3

  • Locate and collect information and data from different sources, including observations (ACHASSI053)
  • Reflect on learning to propose actions in response to an issue or challenge and consider possible effects of proposed actions (ACHASSI060)
 

Geography Year 4

  • The use and management of natural resources and waste, and the different views on how to do this sustainably (ACHASSK090)
  • Locate and collect information and data from different sources, including observations (ACHASSI074)
  • Reflect on learning to propose actions in response to an issue or challenge and consider possible effects of proposed actions (ACHASSI081)

Syllabus outcomes: GE2-2, GE2-3, GE1-3, GE2-4, ST1-11LW, ST1-9ES, ST2-11LW, MA1‑1WM, MA1‑2WM, MA1‑3WM, MA1‑4NA.

Connecting lessons: Stormwater audit

Resources required: Hard copy map of your school (your school map have one you can copy or print from Google Maps), poster making materials.

Digital technology opportunities: Digital sharing capabilities.

Keywords: Water, audit, school, waste, rubbish, taps, drinking fountains, toilets.

Need some more support? Click on these leading organisations

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Worksheets

Teacher Worksheet

Teacher preparation:

Overarching learning goal:

  • Students understand that we use water in many different ways at school.
  • Students recognise the sources of water at their school.
  • Students recognise the school grounds on a map and use the map to record water points.
  • Students understand the ways we can save water at school.

Teacher content information:

Cast your mind back to the big drought we had from 1997 – 2009. Eight out of ten Australians were on water restrictions. Some of us even stopped watering our driveways. However, now that the rains have returned it seems that our efforts to save water have been washed away. But think about this:  Fresh water is the most precious resource on Earth. It is essential for the survival of all living things. Did you know that the water you drink today is the same water that the dinosaurs enjoyed? The water just keeps cycling around the Earth! Human's depend on water for drinking, eating, energy, entertainment, and transport. One could

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Student Worksheet

Thought starter: Where does the water go after it gurgles down the plug hole?

How many different places are there to find water at your school?

 INSIDE

Water point

Number

Dripping or broken?

Actions needed

Tap

      

Drinking fountain

      

Toilet

      

Dishwasher

      
       
       
       
       

Grand total

      

OUTSIDE

Water point

Number

Dripping or broken?

Actions needed

Tap

      

Drinking fountain

      

Pond

      

Sprinkler/watering system

      
       
       
       
       

Grand total

      

Where are there more water points - inside or outside?

 

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