Where Does the Water Go? Calculating a Neighborhood Water Footprint

Ages: 10-14
Standards alignment: MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-4
Teaching time: 1 hour 

In this water conservation activity, students will have fun as they work in teams to calculate the water usage of the different households on Sunnybrook Circle, an imaginary neighborhood. They will discover, using the information and materials provided for them, if the water district has enough water to meet the demands or if water restrictions need to be put in place. Students will design and build a “pumping station” to meet the challenge of moving the water they need from the reservoir to their house. In addition to problem-solving, decision-making and creativity, students use interpersonal skills needed in STEM2D careers such as presenting ideas, negotiating, organizing and working as a collaborative team.