Designing for Water: Adapting Indigenous Practices
Created by Teacher(s): Yen-Yen Chiu|Published on: March 19, 2026
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Type: Lesson Plan
Subjects: Science
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Created by: SubjectToClimate teachers
Region: Global, Caribbean
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
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This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
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.
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Teacher Writer
Yen-Yen Chiu
Director of Education
Yen-Yen Chiu holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of San Diego. She taught public school for 22 years, from 2001 to 2023, specializing in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Music for grades 6–12, including Advanced Placement courses. Yen-Yen is credentialed in English, Mathematics, and Introductory Music, and has extensive experience designing interdisciplinary curricula that foster student choice, meaningful assessment, and authentic learning experiences.
Scientist Reviewed
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