Water is Life – An Inquiry
There is a global issue of providing sufficient clean and safe water
for the growing world population and the unequal distribution of
Earth’s water resources. Everyone, everywhere needs water.
The world’s water crisis - in 2011 our world population reached six
billion. By 2025 the world population is expected to reach eight
billion, yet the planet cannot produce more fresh water. What do
you think will need to happen by 2025 for everyone to have an
adequate supply of safe drinking water?
YOUR TASK
The purpose of this inquiry is to research personal, community and
global responses to water issues and understand why water is so
important. Present your findings in a clear, creative way. Your
assignment must be accompanied by references.
The Inquiry Process:
1. Create a question based on what you know and what you
want to know It all starts with a question so you can discover your answers
through your own research.
2. Research and find information Use your prior knowledge and then build on it for deeper
understanding.
3. Share the knowledge learned with others Your research should be recorded in the most appropriate
way so others can follow and access the information.
4. Reflect on how and what you learned What does your information mean? Do you understand
it? Have you presented it in a way that others will understand it
easily?
Some helpful Inquiry Starters:
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Our rivers and seas can suffer because of the
things we do on land.
Why storm water is a problem.
What is the impact of human activities on the
water cycle?
Looking after our aquatic environments - no matter how small, every positive
action taken will help us preserve our precious environments.
Each culture has its own set of values about the place of water in our lives investigate how water is viewed and valued by Maori.
Water is the lifeblood of the environment.
People from many different cultures value, respect and treasure water. What are
the cultural uses of water? Choose a culture to research. Find examples of art to
illustrate your findings. How does the culture view water? Is it easily
accessible? How is the water used? Are there legends about the water?
Fresh water is crucial for health, as a resource to support our food supplies and
for watering crops and stock.
Water can cause catastrophe in the form of floods.
What is water conservation?
How is water quality affected by natural conditions and human impact?
Water is a basic human right.
Water is the new oil of the 21st century.
Wars of the future will be fought over water.
Water determines the way we live.
Why is water important in our lives?
How would pollution of water affect human survival?
How does pollution of water affect our enjoyment of the environment?
How do we keep our water safe to drink?
Why is the sea getting saltier?
Does everyone have enough water?
Water is everywhere, so why should I worry about wasting it?
How do we or should we care for our oceans?
What impact does global warming have on our oceans and seas?
Importance of the Oceans to NZ - How was NZ settled by the Maori?
How has water altered the landscape?
How has man harnessed water?
R18 - 2015