Social Studies Lesson: Ola i Ka Wai & Water Scarcity
Lesson Plan
50 minutesGrades6, 7, 8Social Studies, English Language Arts
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Written by David Garnick
About this lesson
Students examine the importance of water in Hawai‘i and identify causes of water scarcity. With Hawai‘i used as an example, students around the world make connections between water scarcity and climate change.
Inquire: Students reflect on a Hawaiian proverb and brainstorm the importance and uses of freshwater.
Investigate: Students learn about the water scarcity crisis in Hawai'i and the relationship between climate change and water scarcity.
Inspire: Students reflect on what they learned in the lesson to complete an Exit Ticket.
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Suggestions
- This lesson aligns with Hawai’i’s Nā Hopena A‘o HĀ-BREATH Framework.
- This lesson can be taught during a unit on Hawaiian culture and environmental sustainability, reinforcing students' understanding of the cultural significance of water ('Ola i ka wai').
- This lesson can be used as an example of exploring local issues of water scarcity. Teachers can focus the discussion between water scarcity and climate change on their region or community.
- This lesson can be used to introduce or reinforce the skills of critical thinking and cultural inquiry, particularly in a social studies curriculum.
- This lesson can be used to reinforce Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) principles by encouraging empathy and responsible decision-making regarding environmental issues.
- This lesson highlights the importance of water, 'Ola i ka wai', in Hawaiian culture while addressing pressing environmental justice and issues like water scarcity. Teachers could include proverbs with similar meanings from other indigenous communities, including their own region.
Prerequisites
- This is lesson 1 of 3 in our 6-8th grade Social Studies Unit: Water Scarcity in Hawai‘i.
- Students should have prior knowledge of basic environmental concepts such as sustainability and natural resources.
- Teachers may have to review the main video, "Trouble in the Water: Hawai'i’s Climate Crisis" before the lesson.
- Teachers should exercise sensitivity in discussing the impact of water scarcity on local communities and indigenous cultural practices.
- Teachers should review the term “existential threat” and define it for class as: a threat to something's existence or survival, especially when it's massive in scale.
Differentiation
- Teachers can provide an extension by playing the entire 25-minute video, "Trouble in the Water: Hawai'i’s Climate Crisis," to deepen students' understanding of the water crisis in Hawai'i.
- Teachers can provide an extension to students by having students explore other indigenous communities worldwide – such as the Māori in New Zealand or the Sami in Northern Europe – that have traditional practices for caring for water resources. Students can research and compare these practices with Hawaiian cultural values related to water ('Ola i ka wai').
- Students can conduct independent research on their region’s indigenous community’s water management practices.
- Students can write an in-depth analysis of the proverb "Ola i ka wai a ka ʻōpua," exploring its historical and cultural significance in Hawaiian society. Alternatively, students can reflect on a similar proverb from their own culture or heritage.
- Students could read the article independently or in small groups, depending on the reading levels of the students.
From the scientist review
In order to curb water insecurity in Hawai'i, this lesson gives students the opportunity to investigate the relationship between climate change and water scarcity and to identify potential solutions. After assessment, the lesson passed our credibility test for science.
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About the teacher writer
David Garnick
David Garnick holds a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies and Political Science. He has 2 years of experience teaching Social Studies, English Language Arts in grade 8. He is a Teach for America corps member
