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Curriculum Resources for the Alaskan Environment
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Subject Areas: math,
biology
Timeline: three weeks
intensive, or one semester
intermittently
Grade Levels:
10-12
Purpose: to investigate
and determine normal local water usage; to
investigate current and potential local water
sources; to analyze data and develop possible
solutions; to practice the scientific method and
research techniques
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Sherie
Steele
Water Usage
Study
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 Activities
- Divide into research groups to survey current community water usage:
average gallons per household, business, office,
school, etc., and average cost for each
survey the entire community or sample a representative
portion.
- Interview community leaders to determine a 10-20 year projection of
water usage, taking into account construction, inside residential
water systems, etc.
- Investigate current water supplies and sources.
If your school has analysis kits, analyze water samples for impurities.
Research potential health hazards.
- Discuss future water sources: talk to mayor,
city council, state agencies, PHS. Can you think of any unplanned
future water sources?
- Use various analysis techniques, graphs and charts,
to project future water needs and costs.
- Review and discuss findings with parents and
community in an open house. Set up charts, show water samples from
various sources, etc.
Resources
- for water analysis kits: PHS Sanitation or scientific
supply companies
- State Department of Public Health
- Department of Natural Resources
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Variations
- Make a presentation to the village
council.
- Submit work to a science fair or
exhibit.
- Develop a booklet to give to city
council for their planning needs or to the school
library.
- Conduct similar studies of waste
and sewage disposal.
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