2. Common Core Lesson
This short lesson is designed to be completed in one
or two class periods. In some cases, longer class
discussions may lengthen the lesson to three days.
By
Dean Berry, Ed. D
Gregg Berry, B.A.
www. Commoncorecurriculum.info
4. Common Core Writing Standard
Write informative/explanatory texts
to examine a topic and convey ideas
and information clearly.
5. Text Types and Purposes
Write arguments to
support claims in an
analysis of substantive
topics or texts using
valid reasoning and
relevant and sufficient
evidence
6. Speaking and Listening
Engage effectively in a range
of collaborative discussions
with diverse partners on
topics and texts, building on
others’ ideas and expressing
their own clearly
8. Class Discussion
• 1. How long do you think you would last
without any water to drink?
• 2. What percent of the human body is
water?
• Right Click to Pause or Go Back
9. • Fifty to seventy five percent of the average human
body is composed of water. The average person
would have difficulty surviving more than three days
without water. As we know, all life on earth requires
an adequate supply of water. Even though some
animals such as snakes and camels can survive long
periods without water, the vast majority of plants
and animals need water on a regular basis.
10. Class Discussion
1. How much of the earth’s water is fresh and
usable for food production and drinking ?
2. Where would we find fresh water on earth?
Right Click to Pause or Go Back
11. Most water on earth is salty and will
not sustain life. The water that is available for
normal usage is very limited. Only 1% of the
earth’s water is usable.
12. Since 96% of all earth’s water is found in the oceans, our
supply of fresh water is very limited. Ice packs located at
the North Pole and Antarctica make up the largest amount
of fresh water but is not usable. As a result, using water
wisely becomes an important factor for human survival.
14. • In addition to drinking water, people
depend on water for sanitation, bathing,
industrial activities and food production.
The food we eat requires tremendous
amounts of irrigation water.
15. When there is a water shortage,
farmers are unable to grow as many
crops.
16. The grains that are required
to produce these foods require
a immense amount of water.
17. Class Discussion
•What happens when water
shortages cause farmers to
significantly reduce the amount of
crops they grow?
18. Fewer crops mean less food
available to purchase and
higher prices for consumers.
19. Without a source of water, farmers
cannot grow food. A serious decline
in food production can result in mass
starvation in parts of the world
20. Class Discussion
•1. Are there many people in the world who
live without running water?
•2. What do people do when running water
is unavailable?
•3. Why do people in our modern world have
to live without safe, clean drinking water?
21. •Water is already a major problem for
many people around the world. Over a
billion people lack access to clean
drinking water. When weather patterns
change and cause severe droughts,
water becomes a matter of life or
death.
22. Because of water contamination and
pollution many areas of the world
depend on bottled water rather than
well or river water.
23. Serious water shortages can
result in a variety of
disruptions. Strict requirements
force people to make changes
in how they use water.
24. What are some of the issues
caused by major droughts?
25.
26. • With severe water shortages looming in
our future, people will need to develop
better ways of conserving our valuable
water resources.
29. When there is a water shortage, it
helps to review how water is used and
how consumption can be reduced.
30. Saving every drop of usable water might
become a survival strategy for the future.
31. Class Discussion
•1. Is the earth’s climate changing?
•2. What do you think the cause might be?
•3. How might climate patterns change our water
supply?
32. • Scientists believe that our planet is experiencing a
period of climate change that is drastically altering
climate patterns and ocean temperatures. As a result,
glaciers at the North Pole and Antarctica are melting
very rapidly and raising the levels of the oceans. These
changes are causing relentless droughts in many areas
and serious flooding in other areas.
33. • The future of our planet may depend on the implementation of
innovations such as desalination and reclamation. Taking salt out of
ocean water is expensive but with new technology may become more
affordable. Salvaging previously used water by reclaiming it will save a
lot of precious water.
39. Is it your right to use the
water you need?
…you believe that the
government should be able to
restrict the use of water
during a drought.
40. Let’s review some of the
issues that are raised during a
water shortage.
Take Notes
41.
42. Share Your Ideas
How might we conserve water during a drought?
Think about the different ways that
we can capture or save precious
water resources. Raise your hand
and share your ideas.
45. Your Essay Topic
Use Your Notes and Write a Two Page Essay
Organize your ideas and prepare
to write an essay reviewing the
issues brought about by severe
drought in the United States.
What kinds of problems does
drought cause? How can we use
water more efficiently? How much
conservation should be required?
46. Develop a Writing Plan
• Determine what your main point
will be, and write a topic sentence
that provides focus for your essay.
• Choose several main ideas that
support your topic sentence.
• Sort your information into
supporting details with facts and
examples.
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47. Details Must Support the Main Ideas
Provide specific
facts, examples, and
reasons for each
main idea in the
body of your essay
54. Details Must Support the Main Ideas
Provide specific
facts, examples,
and reasons for
each main idea
in the body of
your essay
55. Create an Outline
Topic Sentence___________________________________
_______________________________________________
A. Main Idea_____________________________________
_______________________________________________
Details/Evidence__________________________________
_______________________________________________
Details/Evidence__________________________________
_______________________________________________
B. Main Idea_____________________________________
_______________________________________________
Details/Evidence__________________________________
________________________________________________
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56. Prepare to Write
•Write a five paragraph essay on “How
to prepare for a Water Shortage”
•As you write your rough draft, it will
be very important to use special
words that enable you to transition
smoothly from one idea to the next.
57. Transition Words
As you view these words,
select the words that help
you make transitions
smoothly from one idea to
the next.
• as a result
• such as
• for example
• nevertheless
• for that reason
• finally
• at this time
• therefore
• furthermore
• in addition
• in conclusion
• as well as 57
58. Write a conclusion
for your essay
reviewing your main
points and
discussing why this
issue is so important
for our future.
62. Review, Edit, and Rewrite
1. Re-read your essay several
times.
2. How can you improve your
sentences to communicate more
clearly?
3. Are your main ideas supported
by examples and details?
4. Exchange papers with another
student and read each other’s
essay out loud.
5. Make final corrections and write
the final draft of your polished
essay. 62
