Global water perspectives
We all use water, but where we come from influences how we use this resource and taonga.
Everyone uses water
Water is a universal need, but many people around the world experience water shortages, water scarcity and a lack of access to clean, safe drinking water.
This cross-curricular activity uses infographic texts to compare water challenges, water use, abundance and supply in Aotearoa New Zealand, Kenya, India and China.
This activity is part of a suite of resources that support Smart Water – a context for learning, which provides students and teachers with opportunities to connect with water and learn more about drinking water in the Waikato region. The science and mātauranga concepts that underpin Smart Water are transferable to other locations in Aotearoa New Zealand.
In this activity, students learn about water availability and water stress around the world. They consider water availability, use and supply in different countries and reflect on New Zealand’s situation.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
contrast water use and availability around the world
describe New Zealand’s water resources, use and supply compared to other countries.
Download the Word file (see link below).
Nature of science
This activity uses infographics to explore water availability and supports students to practise the science capability ‘Interpret representations’.
Related content
Smart Water – a context for learning groups Smart Water resources into key science and teaching concepts that underpin water conservation.
Climate change has the potential to disrupt already fragile water supplies. The following resources provide background information and activity ideas:
What is climate change? – article
Ko e ha ‘a e feliuliuaki ‘a e ‘ea? – article (Faka-Tonga)
Disappearing glaciers – article
Climate change – challenging conversations – activity
Ko e feliuliuaki ‘a e ‘ea – ko e talanoa fakakoloa – activity (Faka-Tonga)
The Hub team have created the collection Clean water and sanitation – supporting UN SDG 6. To make this collection your own and to amend it to your own needs, see our article Creating collections.
Activity ideas
Other activities in Smart Water:
Getting to know water collects students’ prior knowledge and experiences of freshwater as the starting point to form an inquiry plan.
Water in nature explores states of matter in the water cycle.
Te mana o te wai explores the concept of mauri – the health and wellbeing of a waterway.
Water in the Waikato explores the major freshwater features and sources of water for the Waikato region.
Getting water ready to drink explores the drinking water treatment process.
Water use challenge investigates how much water we need for our daily tasks.
Water issues and effects explores water issues in the Waikato region, their effects and alternative possibilities.
Being smart with water uses the knowledge gained from the ongoing inquiry to make a difference in how we use water.
Useful links
Visit Smart Water for water level alerts, water saving tips and more.
Visit The Global Goals for Sustainable Development website for more information about SDG 6 Clean water and sanitation, including the eight targets the goal hopes to achieve.
Watch the UNICEF video Water doesn’t come from a tap. 13-year-old Aysha spends about 8 hours fetching water every day in Ethiopia where she lives.
Statistics and information used in this activity come from the following sources:
Global drought risk and water stress – DG ECHO Daily Map – United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Aquastat – FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations)
Water for food, water for life – International Water Management Institute
Beneath the surface: The state of India’s water 2019 – Water Aid India
Acknowledgement
This resource has been produced with the support of Smart Water.
Smart Water
Smart Water is a partnership between Hamilton City Council, Waipā District Council and Waitomo District Council. Aiming to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of water from source to tap, it supports schools, organisations and the community to use water sustainably.
