Why is Stormwater a Problem?
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Provided by: Sustainability Ambassadors|Published on: January 11, 2024
Lesson PlansScientist Reviewed
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This lesson examines how developed roadways and buildings cause stormwater pollution, how this pollution impacts marine life in Puget Sound, and possible solutions for this environmental issue.
- Students will engage in activities to encourage reflection and discussion, videos that inform them about stormwater pollution and its impacts, and interactive maps that allow them to understand this pollution on a deeper level.
Subjects: Geography, Engineering, Career Skills
Authors: Engineering GSI, Sustainability Ambassadors
Region: North America, USA - West, United States, Washington
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- For one of the activities, students will examine well-crafted infographics about stormwater.
- The articles and videos in this lesson range in complexity, so many learners can access the information.
Additional Prerequisites
- For one of the activities, students must work in groups.
- Clicking a link in this lesson plan won't take you to a new tab.
- The "Why are Salmon Dying Before They Can Spawn?" video shows images of dissected salmon, which may upset some students.
- Students need an account with ArcGIS to view the map on the "700 Million Gallons - GSI Around You" webpage.
- Some students may need the terms impervious, impenetrable, watersheds, mortality, stormwater, and runoff defined before beginning the lesson.
Differentiation
- This lesson can fit within a larger unit on types of pollution caused by human activity.
- Teachers can use the Washington Environmental Health Disparities Map as a conceptual introduction to environmental justice/equity.
- The "Trees Tame Stormwater" infographic can support a classroom discussion on the ecological importance of trees and the negative consequences of deforestation.
- The "Stormwater Impacts on Salmon" article can enhance a classroom discussion on the importance of biodiversity, how human activity is lowering biodiversity, and solutions to mitigate this decrease in global biodiversity.
This activity succinctly highlights the impact of stormwater on infrastructure, water resources, and the environment. It provides credible materials to enable students to co-create solutions to address it.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
