Lesson 11 – Land Use Decision Makers & Their Roles in Drinking Water Protection

At a glance

Learning objectives

• 11.1 Define what people mean when they use the term "land use decision maker."
• 11.2 Describe how land use affects availability and quality of sources of drinking water.
• 11.3 Cite examples of actions land use decision makers can take to protect drinking water resources.

Time required

135 minutes (allow 90 minutes for activity SW.11.1.A)

Grade level

9-12

Materials

• SW.11.1.TM.B slide, Who are land use decision makers?
• SW.11.2.TM.A, Land Use Effects On Drinking Water
• SW.11.2.AS handout, CAREER EMPHASIS – Urban and Regional Planners (for each student)
• SW.11.3.TM slide, Land Use Decisions and Watershed Considerations
• 4 flags, stakes or chairs
• 40-45 feet of rope, ribbon or twine
• 1 cardboard "road" (6" x 12')
• 4 cardboard or wood "farms" (8 ½" x 11")
• 6 cardboard or wood "houses" (8 ½" x 11")
• 5 cardboard or wood "businesses" (8 ½" x 11")
• 1 cardboard or wood "school" (17" x 22")
• 1 cardboard or wood "factory" (36" x 32")
• 1 cardboard or wood "highway shop, land fill site or county office building" (36" x 32")
• 1 length of blue cloth (20 feet x 12")
• Plain paper
• Pencils for drawings
• Topographic map of the local community

Key Terms

Impervious surface; Land use decision maker; Open space; Pesticide; Septic systems