More than 50 countries will be threatened by water shortages by 2050. The problem of water scarcity is linked mainly to the uncontrolled consumption of water. In this unit, students will learn about the overconsumption of water, its causes, consequences and what needs to be done to reverse the trend globally. The unit also encourages students to think about how they might reduce the waste of water in their own homes and communities.

Unit Goals

1. Introduce students to the issues related to the basic human need of water around the world and in Canada.
2. Build a consciousness of global citizenship through the interpretation of issues relating to poverty and access to water in Canada and the world.
3. Explore Canada's role in water-related international development projects.

In this Unit

Learning Activities:

• Activity 1: Photo Research: Introduction to Water Problems*
• Activity 2: Tracking Water Consumption
• Activity 3: Talking About Water*
• Activity 4: Web Quest*
• Activity 5: Work on Learning Tree Storyboard Team Project

Fact Sheet:

• Poverty, the Environment & Water*

Student Handouts:

• Canadian Water Consumption Chart
• Water Log Worksheet

*Currently not available on-line.