Earth and Environmental Science · Week 12 · Water in the Desert
Who Gets the Water
Arguing about water allocation among farms, cities, tribes, and the Salton Sea while managing strong feelings in debate.
- Students will
- Students engage in argument from evidence about how to share limited Colorado River water, showing how parts of the human and natural system depend on each other.
- SEL skill
- Notice a strong feeling during debate and choose a response that keeps the argument respectful
- What it looks like
- Students practice self-management by noticing strong feelings in a debate and choosing a respectful response.
- Content focus
- Who gets the water
- Format
- Structured discussion
Responsible decision-making
Self-management means handling your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors so you can reach your goals. More responsible decision-making activities
What you get
A teacher guide with what to say, step by step, plus student pages and a supports page for students with diverse learning needs, including those with IEPs. Print or Project it, or assign it in Google Forms and Google Docs for Google Classroom. Your first 10 activities are free.
Standards
- HS-ESS3-1: High School Earth and Space Science performance expectation
- Science and engineering practice: SEP7 Engaging in argument from evidence
- Crosscutting concept: CCC4 Systems and system models
- CA Environmental Principles and Concepts: Principle V: Decisions affecting resources and natural systems are complex and involve many factors
- Literacy in science: WHST.11-12.1 Write arguments focused on discipline specific content.
- Traditional course: Earth and Environmental Science
More responsible decision-making activities for Earth and Environmental Science
- Cycling Matter Through Earth Responsible decision-makingModeling the carbon cycle across all of Earth's spheres and deciding which personal actions most affect it.
- Dust and Breath Responsible decision-makingAnalyzing air quality data near the exposed lakebed and evaluating fair solutions for communities with high asthma rates.
- Climate Models Responsible decision-makingComparing climate model projections and weighing uncertainty without sliding into denial or despair.
- Resource Costs and Benefits Responsible decision-makingEvaluating the costs and benefits of mining and energy strategies and making decisions with both head and heart.
Previous: Saving Every Drop · Next: Reading Climate Clues
RoseThread Connect activities are drafted with the help of AI and shaped by educators. Students never have to share anything personal. Our five SEL skills are informed by CASEL's SEL Framework; RoseThread Learning is not affiliated with or endorsed by CASEL.