Potable Water: What Is It and Why Is It Important? - UK

What happened?

Over the course of a double lesson (100 minutes) students were introduced to the concept of sustainability in water purification, and taught an awareness of finite resources and how precious safe drinking water is.

What 21st Century Skill did this address?

Citizenship, Collaboration.

What was the purpose?

Using examples from around the world of their struggles to obtain safe and clean drinking water, students discuss the different countries approaches and how they differ. During the discussion, they talk about sustainability and being a global citizen from looking at both drinking the water but also the dangers of using contaminated water to grow crops. Countries are chosen carefully to reflect not just the developing world but how countries differ in their approach to water treatment. Following this activity and discussion, the students then go on to look at how water is purified in the UK and do a mock practical of the different stages involved. The practical involves the students working together through each stage and waiting for the sediment to settle- during this time they looked at laminated sheets on water purification plants in the UK and how long the process takes.

What could a teacher learn from this?

Using real life context to engage students in the learning process.