Great Lakes Water Diversion: Impact on Economy & Ecosystem
Created byKen Dirkin
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Great Lakes Water Diversion: Impact on Economy & Ecosystem

Grade 8MathScienceEconomicsEnvironmental ScienceBiologyEnglishGeography60 days
This project engages 8th-grade students in a comprehensive investigation into the ecological and economic consequences of diverting water from the Great Lakes to almond farms in California. Through a multidisciplinary approach involving math, science, economics, and geography, students explore the role of the Great Lakes in supporting local ecosystems and analyze the impact of water diversion on both local and global scales. The project fosters critical thinking as students apply algebraic concepts to real-world environmental scenarios, evaluate economic effects, and develop advocacy skills by proposing sustainable solutions for water management. Students conclude the project by creating advocacy campaigns and structured reports that offer balanced perspectives on resource management.
EcologyEconomicsWater DiversionAdvocacySustainabilityAlgebraEcosystems
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.What are the ecological and economic implications of diverting Great Lakes water for almond farming in California, and how can we balance the needs of both regions?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • What is the current role of the Great Lakes in supporting its local ecosystem and economy?
  • How does water diversion affect local ecosystems and global environments in general?
  • What are the economic benefits and consequences of irrigating almond farms in California with water from the Great Lakes?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Understand and analyze the role of the Great Lakes in local ecosystems and economies.
  • Evaluate the ecological impacts of water diversion from the Great Lakes to California.
  • Assess the economic effects of water use for almond farming in California.
  • Construct written arguments about environmental and economic issues.
  • Apply algebraic thinking to solve real-world environmental problems.
  • Develop advocacy skills for sustainable resource management.

NGSS

MS-LS2-4
Primary
Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.Reason: Students will analyze the impact of water diversion on ecosystems, directly aligning with this standard.
MS-ESS3-4
Secondary
Construct an argument with evidence about how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth's systems.Reason: The project involves analyzing human impact on water resources and ecosystems.

Common Core Mathematics

8.EE.C.7
Supporting
Solve linear equations in one variable.Reason: Students will calculate water volumes and solve equations related to water distribution to meet this standard.

Common Core ELA

WHST.6-8.1
Primary
Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.Reason: Students will write reports or essays arguing the impact of water diversion, aligning with this standard.

C3 Framework for Social Studies

D2.Eco.1.6-8
Primary
Explain how economic decisions affect the well-being of individuals, businesses, and society.Reason: Students will evaluate economic impacts, directly meeting this economic standard.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Water War Debate

Kick off the project with a lively debate about whether the Great Lakes' water should be diverted for almond farming in California. Present contrasting news articles and video clips to ignite strong opinions and curiosity, creating an immediate personal connection as students consider the implications for their own community's water use.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Environmental Investigator's Notebook

Students begin their role as environmental scientists by researching the Great Lakes ecosystem. This involves gathering facts about the local biodiversity, water cycle, and the economic importance of the lakes. Students create a comprehensive notebook that contains notes, diagrams, and initial insights on how the ecosystem functions without water diversion.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research the Great Lakes' ecosystem, paying attention to biodiversity, the water cycle, and economic contributions.
2. Take detailed notes and use diagrams to illustrate important findings.
3. Organize the information into a coherent notebook format.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive environmental research notebook with diagrams and notes.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with MS-LS2-4 by providing foundational knowledge on ecosystems without human interference.
Activity 2

Water Balance Equation Explorer

As budding mathematicians, students calculate the water balance using algebra. They solve equations that represent water inflow, outflow, and storage in the Great Lakes, focusing on how changes can impact availability. This allows students to quantify and predict changes from diversion scenarios.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Review basic algebraic concepts related to solving linear equations.
2. Explore real data on water inflow, outflow, and storage in the Great Lakes.
3. Formulate linear equations based on data to explore different water diversion scenarios.
4. Solve the equations to predict changes in water availability.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA set of solved equations and predictions on water availability under different diversion scenarios.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsMeets 8.EE.C.7 by applying algebra to real-world water distribution problems.
Activity 3

Economics Evaluator: The Price of Water

Students investigate the economic implications of water diversion by analyzing data, trends, and making connections to broader economic principles. This activity highlights how resource allocation affects communities differently.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Collect economic data relating to water allocation, use, and pricing in both California and Michigan.
2. Analyze and interpret the data to see how it affects local economies.
3. Evaluate how these economic decisions impact individuals and societal well-being.
4. Summarize findings in a brief report.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA brief report analyzing the economic impacts of water diversion on different communities.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsDirectly aligns with D2.Eco.1.6-8 by evaluating economic impacts on well-being.
Activity 4

Advocacy Alliance Workshop

Students create an advocacy campaign that suggests sustainable solutions for water resource management considering the needs of both regions. They use research, math, and writing skills developed in earlier activities to make compelling arguments for their case.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Review all previous research, reports, and equations to gather comprehensive insights.
2. Identify key messages and sustainable solutions for water management.
3. Design advocacy materials such as posters, digital presentations, or public service announcements.
4. Present advocacy campaign to classmates or community stakeholders.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn advocacy campaign complete with materials that propose solutions for water management.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports MS-ESS3-4 by analyzing the human impact and advocating for sustainable practices.
Activity 5

Impact Reporter - California vs. Michigan

Students take on the role of journalists investigating and reporting on the impacts of almond farming in California compared to the ecosystems of the Great Lakes. The focus is on developing writing skills and constructing coherent narratives.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research the economic and ecological impact of almond farming in California and Great Lakes water usage.
2. Draft reports focusing on different impacts on each region.
3. Use evidence gathered to write a structured and coherent report.
4. Edit and refine the reports based on peer feedback.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA well-structured report comparing impacts in both regions.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsFulfills WHST.6-8.1 by focusing on argument-based writing in specific contexts.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Environmental Stewardship and Economic Impact Rubric

Category 1

Research and Analysis Skills

Assessment of students' abilities to research ecological and economic impacts and analyze collected data for decision-making.
Criterion 1

Ecological Understanding

Measure of students' grasp of the Great Lakes' ecosystems and the implications of human interference.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the Great Lakes' ecosystems and can predict complex interactions and impacts of water diversion with detailed evidence.

Proficient
3 Points

Shows a thorough understanding of basic ecosystems in the Great Lakes and how they might be affected by water diversion, with clear supporting evidence.

Developing
2 Points

Shows emerging understanding of the Great Lakes' ecosystems, but analysis of the effects of water diversion lacks depth or consistency.

Beginning
1 Points

Shows initial understanding of ecosystems with minimal awareness of the potential impacts of water diversion.

Criterion 2

Economic Analysis

Evaluation of the ability to collect, interpret, and analyze economic data related to water resource management.

Exemplary
4 Points

Conducts comprehensive economic analysis, identifying nuanced impacts on different regions with intricate data interpretation.

Proficient
3 Points

Conducts a thorough economic analysis with effective interpretation of data, yielding clear evaluations of impacts on the regions.

Developing
2 Points

Conducts economic analysis with basic understanding, yet with limited interpretation of data to evaluate impacts effectively.

Beginning
1 Points

Collects economic data with minimal interpretation, struggling to connect to regional impact.

Criterion 3

Mathematical Application

Evaluation of students' ability to apply algebra to solve water distribution problems.

Exemplary
4 Points

Applies algebraic concepts skillfully, predicting water distribution changes with high accuracy and relevance to real-world decisions.

Proficient
3 Points

Applies algebraic concepts effectively to calculate and predict water distribution changes for realistic scenarios.

Developing
2 Points

Applies algebraic concepts with moderate understanding and inconsistent accuracy, needing refinement.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to apply algebra accurately for predicting water distribution.

Category 2

Communication and Advocacy

Assessment of students' ability to construct written arguments and advocate for sustainable water management.
Criterion 1

Writing and Communication

Evaluates clarity, coherence, and persuasiveness of written communication in reports and campaigns.

Exemplary
4 Points

Produces compelling, coherent, and logically structured reports and advocacy materials that persuasively convey arguments.

Proficient
3 Points

Produces clear, well-structured written work that effectively communicates key ideas and arguments.

Developing
2 Points

Produces written work that is partially structured and communicates ideas with varying effectiveness.

Beginning
1 Points

Produces written work with minimal structure and unclear communication of ideas.

Criterion 2

Advocacy Skills

Evaluates the ability to develop and present sustainable water management solutions.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates leadership in advocacy, presenting innovative, well-researched solutions with compelling rationale and community engagement.

Proficient
3 Points

Presents effective, well-supported advocacy solutions, engaging peers with clear rationale and evidence.

Developing
2 Points

Presents advocacy solutions with basic support and limited stakeholder engagement.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to develop or present compelling advocacy solutions, needing assistance to engage.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

How has your understanding of the economic and ecological implications of water diversion from the Great Lakes to California evolved throughout this project?

Text
Required
Question 2

On a scale of 1 to 5, how confident are you in your ability to construct an argument supported by empirical evidence related to environmental issues?

Scale
Required
Question 3

Which part of the project did you find most challenging and why?

Text
Optional
Question 4

Reflect on your experience working in the 'Advocacy Alliance Workshop'. What skills did you develop, and how might they be valuable in real-world situations?

Text
Required
Question 5

What is one sustainable solution for water management you learned about through this project that you believe should be implemented immediately?

Text
Required
Question 6

From the options below, which area do you think had the most profound impact on your learning during this project?

Multiple choice
Required
Options
Researching the Great Lakes ecosystem
Solving algebraic water equations
Evaluating economic impacts
Designing an advocacy campaign
Writing impact reports