Water and sanitation
Access to sanitation, the practice of good hygiene, and a safe water supply could save 1.5 million children a year.
Module 5: Water and School
Effects of rainwater and wastewater
BACKGROUND
Most children spend a considerable amount of time at school learning, but also playing and using facilities such as toilets, kitchens, and gardens. This provides a great opportunity for teaching about water at school. Sanitation and hygiene are two important topics to discuss with children and also for everyone to practice on a daily basis. Another important topic is the local environment surrounding the school. After pinpointing characteristics of the local ecosystem, teachers and students can discuss how we use water for hand washing, preparing food, and many other purposes. Module 5 aims to empower students and teachers to identify water-related issues at school, then make a plan and take action.
“Water is fundamental to life and is the common denominator of all sustainable development challenges. We need water to produce food and we need water to produce energy. Improving access to freshwater is about enabling millions of girls to go to school instead of walking kilometres to fetch water.” – Irina Bokova, Director-General, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
THEMATIC CONCEPTS
Rainwater harvesting
Schools and communities that are facing water shortages could dramatically boost supplies by collecting and storing rain falling freely from the clouds.
Grey and black water
Wastewater is composed of domestic grey water (water from baths, sinks, washing machines, and kitchen appliances) and black water (water from toilets).
Activities
5.1
CHILD-LED SCHOOL MAPPING
Time: 90 minutesGoal for Learning: Map the school ground for hazards, and identify opportunities for children to contribute to making improvements.
5.2
MAKING A RAINWATER CATCHMENT SYSTEM
Time: 90 minutesGoal for Learning: Gain access to water for schools, homes, or wider community by catching rainwater.
5.3
BUILDING A "BANANA CIRCLE"
Time: 90 minutesGoal for Learning: Strengthen students´ knowledge of the power of natural filtration of water
5.4
PLANTING A SCHOOL GARDEN
Time: 90 minutesGoal for Learning: Develope values related to caring for local environments and the planet.