Colorado River Shrinks, States Prepare
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Civics, Geography
What it is
This video examines how a megadrought worsened by extreme heat is shrinking the Colorado River and its two largest reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Powell.
The video visits Las Vegas and Phoenix, explaining the federal water cuts and legal disputes among the states that share the river.
A written version of the story accompanies the video.
Teaching tips
Classroom Implementation:
Use this resource to demonstrate the impact of climate change on access to freshwater resources.
Use this video in a unit on freshwater resources, drought, or the water cycle.
Climate Change Connections:
Explain how climate change influences the water cycle. Consider using this lesson to help demonstrate the connection.
Extensions:
Have students role-play a negotiation among the Upper Basin and Lower Basin states over how to share reduced river flows.
Have students map the Colorado River and the places featured in the story.
Ready to use it?
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