Standards Connections
Next Generation Science Standards
SCIENCE AND
ENGINEERING PRACTICES
SAMPLE STUDENT ENGAGEMENT, GRADES 6–8
Asking Questions and
Design and implement a method for collecting rainwater at home
or at school. Consult design plans from schools that already
have rainwater collection systems. Consider the importance
of minimizing exposed, standing water where, for instance,
mosquitoes can lay eggs. Include in the design provisions for
transferring water to smaller containers, managing overflow, and
ensuring that the water stays clean enough to water plants.
Defining Problems
Obtaining, Evaluating, and
Communicating Information
68
Research and present information about the water requirements
of food crops that are grown in California, such as rice, almonds,
and various fruits and vegetables. Find out about new strategies
that farmers are using to conserve water and use it efficiently.
CROSSCUTTING CONCEPTS
SAMPLE STUDENT ENGAGEMENT, GRADES 6–8
Cause and Effect
Learn how to read a home water meter, or log in at
myaccount.sfwater.org to see your household’s water usage
over time. To discover if you have any water leaks, record the
water usage to date in either gallons or cubic feet, don’t use
any water for two hours, and then check the meter again to
see if it shows that more water has been used. If the number
has increased, there is probably a leak, so check faucets
and toilets to see if you can determine the source of the leak.
Systems and System Models
Create a diagram of how you think a home water system works,
then look up diagrams online and recreate your diagram to be
more accurate.
BIG IDEAS
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Grades 6–8
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SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION