Groups design a transportation system, with emphasis on reducing air and water pollution in a human community. Students brainstorm what they know about watersheds and what they would like to know. The class makes a model to observe runoff and to demonstrate the concept of a watershed, and each pair of students designs a watershed. Students outline on a topographical map the watershed in which they live. Through several investigations, students conclude that a watershed filters, absorbs, and stores water.
Students observe examples of erosion and compaction on the school grounds.
The class learns the importance of plants in erosion control. Students conduct library research to learn the effects of accelerated erosion on bodies of water and on aquatic organisms. Students identify human activities that have affected the watershed in their community. Students listen to the story Just a Dream and identify the central character's progress from environmental awareness to understanding to action. They listen to a story about Chico Mendes's efforts to protect the rain forest by promoting the harvesting of its products in a sustainable way.