K-12 Curricula (Project SWELL)

Overview and Goals

The San Diego region receives little precipitation, but has a high population -- this leads to water issues. By making the connection between the basic water information from FOSS -- Water, this investigation can help students to understand the water and human-water interactions in San Diego.

The Foss -- Water investigation 5 begins with two brief transition lessons that get students thinking about words they know about water, and about where water is found on earth. Students will study the sources of San Diego's water through a map reading exercise that will help them appreciate that much of the water that they use in San Diego is imported.

Students will then conduct activities that allow them to compare and contrast sewers and storm drains, and help them understand how their actions can affect both systems. The culminating activity of the FOSS -- Water investigation 5 is an activity entitled "Schoolyard Sleuth" in which students survey their own school site to make observations about water and design a school site action plan for clean water.

Project SWELL 5th Grade FOSS -- Water Investigation 5 expects students to:

• Understand the distribution of water on Earth
• Consider the sources of water in San Diego
• Understand the differences between sewers and storm drains
• Learn how they can help prevent water pollution