My Water, Your Water, Our Water Lesson

The Great Lakes Basin provides a wealth of material to develop English language arts, science and social studies skills, while exposing learners to aspects of philanthropy and stewardship. Learners explore how waterways became polluted and participate in meaningful activities to test water using the scientific method. The lesson emphasizes the role of individuals, business, industry, government and the non-profit sector in reducing pollution and cleaning our waterways. After studying and testing water quality in a nearby water source, learners will compose and send letters to government representatives and nonprofit foundations or agencies supporting efforts to reduce pollution. Learners will discover individual and collective responsibility for maintaining the health of the Great Lakes Basin and will demonstrate knowledge and awareness of the importance of the Great Lakes, their respective ecosystems, and citizen responsibility to protect the waterways.