Use Low-Flow Fixtures
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 →
Provided by: Project Drawdown|Published on: October 10, 2023
Articles/WebsitesScientist Reviewed
9101112AP
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 article explores the importance of low-flow fixtures as one solution to help reduce carbon-dioxide emissions.
- The article is brief, yet contains a clear message that low-flow fixtures also conserve freshwater resources.
- The included data portrays the environmental and monetary benefits of replacing conventional water taps and showerheads with low-flow alternatives.
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, English Language Arts, Engineering
Authors: Project Drawdown
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The information is supported by graphs and charts that help readers visualize the information.
- Since the article is brief, teachers can create a one-day lesson with the information provided, or the data can become a starting point for a longer unit on how we can change our homes to become more environmentally friendly.
- This article is useful for any discussion related to Earth's freshwater resources, human impact on the environment, or climate change, especially regarding the ecological impact of water usage.
Prerequisites
- Teachers will need to define "low-flow fixtures" prior to assigning the article.
- There is mention of wealth being a factor regarding adoption of new fixtures. Students in poverty may be affected emotionally.
- Students may need support understanding the data.
- Vocabulary is rigorous, so a definition list is appropriate.
Differentiation & Implementation
- To introduce this article, teachers can engage classes in a discussion about the economic and environmental benefits of low-flow fixtures in their own homes.
- For small-group instruction, students can work together on taking notes on each section and then discussing each section together.
- Probability and statistics connections can be made in math classes, as there are a number of data points to evaluate about costs, benefits over time, and emissions reductions.
- Students in English or language arts classes can use the article to evaluate author's purpose, scientific writing styles, or as practice for reading larger scientific papers.
- Connections can be made in social studies classes as students discuss the effects of low-flow fixtures on both personal budgets and the Earth in general.
- As an extension, teachers can encourage students to research other cost-effective ways to help the climate in their own homes, finding solutions in Project Drawdown's solutions explorer.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
Project Drawdown
Project Drawdown is a nonprofit organization that seeks to help the world reach “drawdown”—the future point in time when levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere stop climbing and start to steadily decline. Cities, universities, corporations, philanthropies, policymakers, communities, educators, activists, and more turn to Project Drawdown as they look to advance effective climate action. Project Drawdown resources for educators include the database of Drawdown Solutions, educational video series Climate Solutions 101, the Drawdown Stories initiative, and more.
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 →
