WHO: 6th grade Earth Science teachers

WHAT: Drought in Georgia Unit
· 4 lessons designed to address 9 content and characteristics of science standards, plus language arts and social studies standards. The unit will help students understand that drought and water use impact the availability of water resources.
· Lesson 1 - What is Drought? Perspectives & Definitions of Drought
· Lesson 2 - Who Shut Off My Water? Cause & Effects of Drought
· Lesson 3 - Investigating Drought: Scientific Processes for Determining Drought
· Lesson 4 - Understanding the Part We Play: Outdoor Water Use & Conservation

WHY:
· Drought is a natural phenomenon that has occurred regularly in Georgia in recent years. It has severely affected water supplies, agriculture, stream water quality, lake recreation, hydropower generation, watercraft navigation, forest resources, and wildlife habitat.  More Info. 

· Cumulatively, drought has affected more people in North America than any other natural hazard (Riebsame et al. 1991). The cost of losses due to drought in the United States averages $6-8 billion every year, but ranged as high as $39 billion for the three-year drought of 1987-89, which was the most costly natural disaster documented in U.S. history. More Info

· On April 18, 2007, the director of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) declared a level two drought response across the state and will require all Georgians to follow a more stringent outdoor water use schedule. The EPD Director, working with the State Climatologist, consults with the State Drought Response Committee members and then determines whether a drought response declaration is appropriate. "March was very dry, and it's historically a very wet month in Georgia," said the State Climatologist. "That's one of the reasons we're in trouble now."
More Info - Drought Level 2 Press Release (PDF)

HOW:
· Download a concept map and the four lessons of the Drought in Georgia unit at www.ConserveWaterGeorgia.net waterSmart Tools for Teachers page. 

WHAT'S NEXT:  In the coming months, visit www.gaprojectwet.org for Drought in Georgia training opportunities for teachers, 4-H youth leaders and other nonformal educators.

The Drought in Georgia unit for 6th grade Earth Science teachers was developed for the waterSmart program by the Education Roundtable, a partnership of organizations working together to deliver coordinated environmental messages to Georgians. waterSmart is a program that seeks to conserve water in Georgia by encouraging reductions in outdoor water use. It offers simple tips for maintaining healthy lawns and gardens while using less water.