Positives

• The information is presented in a step-by-step format, with a clear cause-and-effect framework.
• 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.
  

Additional 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 sidebar data.
• Vocabulary is rigorous, so a definition list would be appropriate.

Differentiation

• 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 Table of Solutions.