People Need Water, Challenge 1: Westward H2O!

Generate Ideas

Your teacher will divide you into teams comprising four to six students to answer the essential questions below regarding people and water.  Use the resources listed under "Multiple Perspectives" to help you find the answers.  When you have finished, your team will share your answers and ideas with the other students in the class.  This exercise will help you find out what you already know and identify critical gaps in your knowledge on the topic.

Essential Questions

1. Why are so many communities established near readily available water resources?
2. How do humans take advantage of the availability of water to engage in commerce and produce agricultural products?
3. What is a spring?
4. There are many springs in Texas.  How did their occurrence influence the development of trade and transportation routes in Texas during the 19th century?
5. How has the occurrence of springs influenced agriculture, manufacturing, and energy production across the state?
6. How would you describe the geologic setting of the Comal Springs and Comal River?
7. Why are the Comal Springs and Comal River important and what role have they played in Texas history?
8. Why and how is groundwater pumping from wells in the region around the Comal Springs affecting the quality and quantity of the flow of the springs?
9. Where does your water come from at home?  At school?
10. How much water is required to produce a pound of flour?  A tee-shirt?