S10-30009

Lifesaving Straws

The LifeStraw, a portable water filter made by Vestergaard, is an incredible invention. It removes harmful substances from water, making it safe to drink. It has saved lives in places without clean water, reducing diseases and improving public health.

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Activity Time

STEM Concept

Subject & Grades

Metacognition

minutes

All

6th-12th

Connections between STEM Concepts, Learning Targets and Standards

Learning Objective

Students will identify and apply many metacognitive techniques to everyday situations.
Students will understand how these skills relate to their confidence and success.

Success Criteria

Students will be able to explain why metacognition is an essential skill needed for life.
Students will identify and use the appropriate metacognitive strategies and techniques.
Students will apply metacognitive techniques to arrive at a practical solution.

Pathway 1 : Students participate in STEM education that combines all STEM subjects and

prioritizes STEM processes and practices.

Pathways 3: Staff members and leaders regularly engage in STEM-focused professional development.

Pathway 9: Students display their knowledge through practical assessments and improve their self-assessment and monitoring skills.

STANDARD 1: Learners engage in STEM learning experiences that integrate all STEM disciplines with an emphasis on processes and practices associated with STEM .

STANDARD 7: Learners engage in self-directed STEM learning guided by professional staff members who are effective facilitators of learning.

STANDARD 9: Learners demonstrate their learning through performance-based assessments and have opportunities to develop self-assessment and self-monitoring skills.

Activity Introduction

Watch this video about how an amazing invention. The Vestergaard LifeStraw is a portable water filtration device created by Vestergaard, a Swiss-based company. It works by using advanced filtration technology to remove contaminants from water, making it safe to drink. The LifeStraw has saved lives by providing clean drinking water to individuals in areas without access to safe water sources. It is especially valuable in developing countries and during emergencies, reducing waterborne diseases and improving public health.

[Click image to enlarge]

Prompts for group activities

Discuss how metacognitive skills help you think about and solve events in your life.

How does understanding the filtration process of the Vestergaard LifeStraw enhance your metacognitive awareness of the water you drink? Consider how knowing how it works impacts your trust in the device and your perception of the water's safety.
How does thinking metacognitively about the Vestergaard LifeStraw connect to broader global health challenges? Consider how understanding the device's impact on waterborne diseases and access to clean drinking water can inspire you to think critically about the importance of innovation and technology in addressing such challenges worldwide.

Step 1: Watch the video