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All grades  Project 1 week

Thirsty Trek: Adventure to Hydration

Caleb R
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.K.6
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.K.3
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.K.9
RL.7.1
RI.7.10
+ 3 more
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Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to engage students in a meaningful exploration of global water access issues through hands-on, project-based activities. By simulating real-world challenges and collaborating on solutions, students will develop critical thinking, self-directed learning, and a sense of identity and belonging. This project encourages students to connect their academic learning with civic action, fostering a deeper understanding of the impact of water access on communities worldwide. Through reflection and community engagement, students will enhance their problem-solving skills and contribute to local water conservation efforts.

Learning goals

Students will develop empathy and a deeper understanding of global water access challenges by actively engaging in the 'Water Walk Challenge' and reflecting on its impact. They will enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills by designing and building a simple water filtration system, documenting the process, and iterating based on peer feedback. Through research activities and multimedia presentations, students will improve their ability to analyze and communicate complex information about water issues, while fostering a sense of civic responsibility by crafting reflective letters to the Mayor and participating in the 'Letters to Leaders' event.
Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.K.6 - With prompting and support, name the author and illustrator of a story and define the role of each in telling the story.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.K.3 - Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to narrate a single event or several loosely linked events, tell about the events in the order in which they occurred, and provide a reaction to what happened.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.K.9 - With prompting and support, compare and contrast the adventures and experiences of characters in familiar stories.
  • [Kentucky] RL.7.1 - Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
  • [Kentucky] RI.7.10 - By the end of the year, flexibly use a variety of comprehension strategies (i.e., questioning, monitoring, visualizing, inferencing, summarizing, synthesizing, using prior knowledge, determining importance) to read, comprehend and analyze grade-level appropriate, complex informational texts independently and proficiently.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will collaboratively design and construct simple water filtration systems, documenting their process through multimedia presentations that showcase their understanding of water access challenges. They will also produce reflective letters to the Mayor, summarizing their learning and proposing local water conservation strategies. These products will be shared at the 'Letters to Leaders' event, where students will present their findings and engage with the community in a Q&A session.

Launch

Kick off the project with a "Water Walk Challenge" where students simulate the journey to fetch water by carrying buckets over a set distance. This hands-on activity will foster empathy and understanding of the essential question about the impact of water access on communities. Engage students in a discussion afterward to share their experiences and connect them to global water challenges.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'Letters to Leaders' event where they present their multimedia projects and read their reflective letters to the Mayor. This exhibition will include a showcase of their water filtration systems, allowing attendees to see the practical applications of their learning. The event will conclude with a Q&A session, inviting community members to engage with the students' insights and suggestions for water conservation efforts.