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 * Welcome class to the We need water Blog spot!**


 * __ Introduction: __**

Water is the most abundant substance on Earth’s surface. All living things rely on the unique physical and chemical properties of water. For example, fish depend on the oxygen dissolved in water to breathe and all living things rely on water to transport dissolved ions inside their bodies. Naturally available water is never pure because many substances can dissolve in it! Unfortunately, many harmful compounds, both natural substances and pollutants can also dissolve in water. These substances and pollutants then contaminate our lakes, rivers, and ground water. Drinking water is obtained from surface water and ground water and always contains dissolved substances from the environment. Water quality is related to the substances dissolved in it. Wastewater treatment plants reduce pollutants and microorganisms to levels that are low enough for the water to be safely returned to the environment. The purpose of this assignment is to relate water distribution and water quality around the world to different lifestyles and cultures.


 * __ This is your Assignment: __**

= Instructions: ** Get into pairs. Take the first letter of one of your group member’s last name and research a country (other than Canada or the USA) that begins with that letter. Research water availability/purification/treatment in that country and make connections between water quality and lifestyles/culture of your country. Consider economic costs of building, maintaining, and monitoring water-purification plants. You will need to find research from at least 2 sources. ** = = = =** Choose one of the rows from the RAFT table as a group. You can either create a 3-minute podcast about your row or write a 500 word (double spaced, 11 font) blog entry. You will need to post your podcast (with script)/blog on our class Wiki site. Create a new wiki page (with your name) for your group underneath the home tab. Be sure to post any references used (at least 2 sources). ** =


 * You are required to comment on two blogs from your classmates!**


 * ** Role ** || ** Audience ** || ** Format ** || ==** Scenario ** == ||
 * Local Resident || Manager of a water purification/treatment plant || Blog or Podcast || You are seeking work in a purification/treatment plant. Discuss job availability in this line of work and why you need this job opportunity. ||
 * President/Prime Minister of the country || Other country leaders || Blog or Podcast || You are at a conference with other World leaders discussing the economic implications of water availability/purification/treatment. Discuss possible solutions to help countries that struggle with water availability. ||
 * Manager/Chef of a local restaurant || Cooking show or cooking magazine || Blog or Podcast || Discuss the types of foods you serve in your restaurant and why? Hint: Link local foods to water supply/quality. ||
 * Leader of an activist group || Local residents || Blog or Podcast || Discuss the pros/cons of water availability/purification/treatment of your country. Propose solutions to help countries that struggle with water availability. ||