Water consumption
In this unit, we will find out how water is distributed throughout the world, as well as calculate the amount we use every day, and we will compare this figure with the water consumed by other people worldwide.
- Setting the scene within the area
Based on the content studied in this year, such as fractions, percentages and the relationship between units of measurement, we are going to consider the amount of water the pupils consume and the amount consumed in other parts of the world.
- Goals
- Apply maths skills, percentages, fractions and calculation, to analyse and value the human right to water and its consumption
- Reflect upon each one’s water consumption
- Learn about other people’s circumstances
- Contents
- Fractions
- Understanding percentages
- Comparing percentages
- Solving problems with percentages
- Analysing data
- Calculating the amount of water each one uses and the importance of caring for it
- Interest in learning how to calculate percentages and appreciate their value in everyday life
- Interest in finding out about how people live in other parts of the world
- Basic competences studied
Competence in mathematics
The use of different types of numbers, natural ones, fractions and percentages, and their application to the different activities planned in the unit lead to the acquisition of mathematical skills.Pupils will be called upon to convert different amounts expressed as percentages into fractions, as well as perform other mathematical operations that will enable them to calculate their own personal consumption of water, and then compare it to the consumption recorded in other parts of the world.
In addition, pupils will be encouraged to use the language of mathematics to express and report the everyday activities they carry out, such as, for example, those related to their personal hygiene.
Pupils will combine their mathematical skills with other types of knowledge, such as the Human Right to Water and its responsible use.
Competence in the culture of science, technology and health
By using the graphs and images that appear in the unit, pupils will be able to understand the differences in water consumption recorded in different parts of the world, as well as become more aware of the fact that water is a natural resource that each and every one of us needs to look after.Pupils will describe their water consumption in a graphic manner, and may then compare it with other people’s consumption around the world. This will make them think about their consumer habits and the importance of preserving and caring for water, so they will learn to use it responsibly.
Competence in processing information and honing digital skills
Pupils will use numbers, percentages and fractions to understand the information on water consumption worldwide.They will use a graphic language, involving a bathtub and test-tubes, to interpret data on real circumstances and add it to their knowledge.
Pupils will use mental arithmetic, calculators or software to work out how much water they consume.
Competence for personal initiative and independence
The content related to the solution of mathematical problems will be used to develop the competence for personal initiative and independence, helping pupils to learn about reality and implement the strategies and decision-making within their grasp to reduce that consumption.Learning to learn
Applying the proportion of 1/7 regarding the number of people with access to clean drinking water, pupils may relay that information to their most immediate surroundings, such as their classroom or school.Activity 5 provides a setting for comparison, reflection, and awareness, on the one hand, of what the pupils already know about water consumption in the world and, especially, their own individual consumption, while on the other hand applying what they have learnt through the unit. Furthermore, pupils will be required to try to put into words and describe what they have learnt through both oral and written expression.
Competence in language communication
The activities in this unit will enable pupils to familiarise themselves with the language of mathematics (percentages, fractions, etc.) both aloud and in writing, so they can use it naturally in their everyday lives, as in this case regarding the use and consumption of water.In turn, on the one hand, this unit will permit pupils to voice their explanations, and therefore boost their logical reasoning, rational argumentation and critical thinking, and on the other, it teaches them to listen and consider the explanations given by the rest of the class regarding the state of water throughout the world, as well as the care and conservation of water.
Social competence and citizenship
This teaching unit helps to develop social competence and citizenship in the following way: on the one hand, it contributes to the pupil’s understanding of their most immediate surroundings (individual consumption of water in the Basque Country) and, on the other, it presents pupils with realities that are different to their own, such as the consumption of water in Mozambique or the overall state of water throughout the world.- Values studied
Likewise, it favours an awareness of other realities, empathy, and reinforces the value of ethical consumerism, as an attitude of respect towards nature, people and cultures.