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Designing for Water: Adapting Indigenous Practices

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Created by Teacher(s): Yen-Yen Chiu|Published on: March 19, 2026
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Synopsis

Students explore traditional Indigenous water-harvesting techniques used by the Tohono O’odham people to learn how these methods help protect soil and conserve water, apply this knowledge to design a modern adaptation for a local water or soil challenge, and communicate their ideas through sketches and written reflections.

Inquire: Students explore farming challenges caused by extreme weather and share their observations and ideas for local adaptations.
Investigate: Students learn about Indigenous water-harvesting techniques, take notes on how they protect soil and conserve water, and analyze modern adaptations.
Inspire: Students design a modern adaptation of a traditional water-harvesting method to address a local soil or water challenge and share their ideas with the class.
Share: This lesson plan is licensed under Creative Commons.Creative Commons License
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Subjects: Science
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Region: Global, Caribbean
Posted on Mar 19, 2026

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Yen-Yen Chiu

Director of Education

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