Drinking Water Curriculum for K-12

This project was initiated to develop a ready to use, practical curriculum on water that can be used by middle and high school teachers. It includes basic knowledge and understanding of drinking water sources, their protection from various pollutants, and potential health risk associated with the consumption of water from unprotected sources. The objectives of the study are: (i) to develop a drinking water resources curriculum guide for middle and high schools that correlates to the Standards of Learning (SOL) requirements of collaborating states. (ii) to provide hands-on training and resources to middle and high school teachers and students on types and sources of drinking water, pollution threats to of surface and groundwater, and steps that can be taken to protect and conserve drinking water resources. (iii) create awareness about health risks associated with various contaminants that threaten drinking water. The approach is sectioned into themes which are followed by various activities that reinforce the main concept of the theme. Theme 1 deals with the hydrologic cycle, watershed and ecology (the 'incredible journey' video). For instance, activity 1 for this theme would involve building models of clouds, plants, ocean (lake), the sun and aquifer; and link them with each other to demonstrate the cycling water in nature. Activity 2 would demonstrate the importance of biotic diversity in lakes, streams, bays and oceans in serving as an indicator of the health of the water and could indicate our own health. Likewise, theme 2 explains the sources of drinking water. Theme 3 deals with safety of the water for consumption. Theme 4provides steps on how to protect and conserve water. Theme 6 gives guidance on meeting drinking water standards, such as EPA guidelines. Through these themes and associated activities, students will have a better understanding about drinking water resources and how to protect them.