Water Availability

Overview

Mathematics can help make the best use of natural resources

Pupils take the role of data analysts of the World Water Resources Board (WWRB) a fictional organisation charged with providing financial aid to countries most in need of water. They will compare the availability of water in Algeria, Jordan and Turkey and in groups, focus on one country using the data to argue for resources for that country. Numerical data and video content is provided.

Getting Started

Introduction (pdf)
Overview of lessons (pdf)
Detailed lesson plans (pdf)
Extensions overview (pdf)
Analysts guide (pdf) - each student will require a hard copy of this.

Click here for a full list of resources

Mathematical content

Key processes – pupils are expected to choose between representations of a situation from the real world and select appropriate methods and tools to use, analyse it using mathematical procedures, interpret and analyse their result and reflect on and communicate their results.
Number and algebra – calculating with and manipulating rational numbers; using and applying ratio and proportion; accuracy and rounding.
Geometry and measures – scale; units, compound measures and conversions; areas.
Statistics – applying the handling data cycle.
Curriculum opportunities - work on problems that arise in other subjects; work collaboratively as well as independently in a range of contexts.

Students will develop their understanding of ‘Handling data' and ‘Proportional reasoning’ and will come to recognise that a key aspect of data handling is determining the appropriate data to answer a question. Pupils must create an appropriate ‘compound measure’ in order to produce a fair comparison.

Organisation and pedagogy

The case study supports four to five lessons of classroom activity – mainly in groups for which the recommendation is groups of three, but also some whole class and individual work. Each pupil will need a printed copy of the Analyst’s Guide which is 39 pages long. The Teacher’s Notes are detailed and include the Analyst’s Guide content – 53 pages in total. There is video content and the potential for some Internet research. Access to computers would be useful for research, analyses and possibly report writing. Lessons are designed for use with pupils of mixed ability.

Resources

Teacher’s Notes (pdf): lesson plans and Analyst’s Notes for teacher guidance.
Analyst’s Notes (pdf): information and data for use by pupils.
Data file (.xls): the data file is in MS Excel format, but the same data is printed in the Analyst’s Notes so that a calculator can be used instead of a spreadsheet.
Video files (mpeg-4 and QuickTime): videos for WWRB introduction and information on Algeria, Jordan and Turkey.

Each pupil will need access to a printed copy of The Resource Allocation Notebook which would be most useful printed in colour as it contains detailed maps.

Adobe Reader is required to view the pdf files contained within this case study.