Forty million people rely on water released from Lake Mead, on the Colorado River not far from Las Vegas. That booming city, renowned for vice, is also a world leader in water conservation. Far downstream huge canals de-water the river, as farmers look to technology to maintain their productivity, Californians deliver water to their vast population and farmland, and Mexico receives its entitlement. The once-great river and vast wetlands face a dried-out channel.

Learning Objective

Students will learn about the importance of the Colorado River and the water shortage in the Southwest.

Social Studies Standards

Science, Technology & Society: B, E

Discussion Prompts

• The video uses the analogy that rivers are like veins and arteries. Explain why they are the life blood of our planet.
• Do you agree that rivers should have the right to remain free from contamination and the right to conservation? Should there be laws that enforce this? Why or why not?
• Explain why Las Vegas is a model for water efficiency. What specific measures have they taken to address water demands and resources?
• What are some proactive or innovative solutions to provide water for the 40 million who depend on the Colorado River?

Lesson Activities

• Create a flow chart that illustrates the original four reasons why dams were created and the issues that they were supposed to solve.
• In the video it is stated, “If there was a river that needed a voice, it was the mighty Colorado.” Create a poem, speech, or story in the voice of the river, incorporating the ideas from the video that rivers have rights.
• You have been hired to fix the water problems in a city similar to Las Vegas. Create a water resource plan and list the first five steps you will take in your conservation effort. Explain why each is important.
• Select 2-3 dams that you think are the most important and plan a learning station activity that will teach others about the history and purpose of each dam.

Vocabulary

• acre
• circuitous
• contested
• elevation
• extractor
• irrigation
• marvel
• meander
• myriad
• turbine

Download

In the Americas Season 9 Lesson Episode 3