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.
Activity Time
STEM Concept
Subject & Grades
Metacognition
15
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.
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
Life saving straws
Activity Tips
Remind the students to write down words they don’t understand or questions that immediately come to mind about the topic they’re watching.
Tell them to be ready to share with their group.
Step 2:
Group Session
After the video, divide students into groups of 3 or 4 and let the students begin their discussions while you circulate; it’s all about what THEY think and feel. Ask them to listen carefully to their friends as they might have different opinions to them.
Step 3:
Assessment
Ask the students:
Ask the students who they believe the best listeners and best team players are from this activity.
Ask them to justify their answers in a simple sentence.
Explain to them that the idea is everyone improves both their listening and teamwork skills over time.
Ask the students to summarize the video in 6-8 words only.