A Long Walk to Water
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Cross-Curricular Learning Guide
Grade Level: 5–8 (Adaptable for Grades 4–5)
Subjects
Grade Level: 5–8 (Adaptable for Grades 4–5)
Subjects
- English Language Arts
- Science & Engineering
- Social Studies
- Math
- Service Learning
Time: 4–6 Week Unit (30–60 minute class periods)
Prep Level: Low Prep
Lesson Overview
Lesson Overview
Students explore the global water crisis through A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. This interdisciplinary unit combines literacy, STEM, social studies, and math while encouraging students to investigate real-world water challenges and discover how they can make a difference through service learning.
Learning Goals
Students will:
- Analyze characters, plot, and themes
- Investigate the global water crisis
- Research a real H2O for Life partner community
- Design an engineering solution to improve water transportation
- Apply math to solve authentic water challenges
- Develop empathy and global citizenship
Essential Question
How can young people use learning, creativity, and service to help solve the global water crisis?
Assessment Ideas
- Reading responses
- Class discussions
- Research project
- Engineering design challenge
- Persuasive presentation
- Reflection writing
- Public Service Announcement
Additional resources:
- Additional information on Salva’s life and work http://www.waterforsouthsudan.org/salvas-story/
- Calculate your water footprint: http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater/change-the-course/water-footprint-calculator/
- A Long Walk to Water Introduction: http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=399317
- A Long Walk to Water Book Video Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkxkisRUmMM