CONSERVE WATER GEORGIA
Drought in Georgia
- What is the Drought in Georgia unit?
- Why should my class study drought?
- How can I get started?
- Who developed the materials?
waterSmart developed "Drought in Georgia," a unit for sixth-grade earth science teachers that features standards-based activities and background information. It is supported by a teaching poster.
What is the Drought in Georgia unit?
Resources
"Drought in Georgia" includes four lessons designed to address nine content areas and characteristics of science standards, plus language arts and social studies standards. The unit will help students understand how drought and water use impact the availability of water resources.
Lessons:
- Lesson 1 - What is Drought? Perspectives and Definitions of Drought
- Lesson 2 - Who Shut Off My Water? Cause and Effects of Drought
- Lesson 3 - Investigating Drought: Scientific Processes for Determining Drought
- Lesson 4 - Understanding the Part We Play: Outdoor Water Use and Conservation
Supporting materials:
Why should my class study drought?
Drought is a natural phenomenon that has occurred regularly in Georgia in recent years. It has severely affected water supplies, agriculture, stream water quality, lake recreation, hydropower generation, watercraft navigation, forest resources and wildlife habitat (http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/qadroughts.html#drought).
Drought has affected more people in North America than any other natural hazard (Riebsame et al. 1991). The cost of losses due to drought in the U.S. averages $6 to $8 billion every year. The three-year drought lasting from 1987-89 cost $39 billion, which is the most costly natural disaster documented in U.S. history. (http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/paleo/drought/drght_alleve.html).
How can I get started?
Download a concept map and the four lessons of the Drought in Georgia unit.
Who developed the materials?
The Drought in Georgia unit for sixth-grade earth science teachers was developed for the waterSmart program by the Education Roundtable, a partnership of organizations working together to deliver coordinated environmental messages to Georgians.
waterSmart is a program that seeks to conserve water in Georgia by encouraging reductions in outdoor water use. It offers simple tips for maintaining healthy lawns and gardens while using less water.