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Program
1. Have students locate Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula.
Distribute a copy of the worksheet Location of the Mayan Riviera to each student. Have students locate Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula on their map of North America. Point out the “Riviera Maya.”
2. Build background about the Mayan Riviera.
Tell students that the Mayan Riviera, also known as “Riviera Maya,” is located in Mexico’s easternmost state, Quintana Roo. Explain that it is the 75-mile stretch of Caribbean coastline from the northeastern point of the Yucatan Peninsula southward to the Mayan ruins. Inform students that many people vacation in this region for the warm climate, sandy beaches, and the world’s second largest coral reef. Point out to students that part of Mexico’s gross domestic product is generated from tourism.
3. Introduce new vocabulary.
Write the word cenote on the board. Inform students that this word is derived from a Mayan term, dz’onot, and means a subterranean cavity that contains permanent water. Point out to students that almost all of the fresh water in the Yucatan is contained in these underground cenotes, which are part of the second largest underground river system in the world.
4. Demonstrate how groundwater moves.
Use a sponge and water to help students understand the concept of groundwater held in underground rivers and aquifers. Carefully pour water over the sponge until it is saturated but not dripping. Point out to students that the sponge is holding water, even though they might not be able to see it. Squeeze the sponge into a white bowl and show them that the water in the bowl is as clear as when poured over the sponge. Repeat the process with water containing food coloring. Ask students to speculate about what the colored water might represent.
5. Watch the video.
If possible, show students Act 1 of “Dirty Secrets” from Strange Days. Or, find information on the provided Strange Days website. Discuss how increased pollution, due to expanding human activity, affects the groundwater of the Yucatan Peninsula.
6. Have students make connections to their own lives.
Ask students to think about where the water from their own taps actually comes from. It may come from springs, rivers, reservoirs, or wells. Ask: Do you live on or near an aquifer? Where is your local water treatment plant? Have students use the Internet to search their municipality’s Department of Public Works for answers and report back.
Extending the Learning
Go to the PBS website to find out where you can get the Strange Days episode “Dirty Secrets.”
Subjects & Disciplines
- Biology
- Geography
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- locate Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula, and the Mayan Riviera on a map
- describe the underground river system in the area
- apply their new understandings in order to identify the source of the water they use every day
Teaching Approach
- Learning-for-use
Teaching Methods
- Demonstrations
- Discussions
- Hands-on learning
- Visual instruction
Skills Summary
This activity targets the following skills:
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Critical Thinking Skills
- Analyzing
- Understanding
Connections to National Standards, Principles, and Practices
National Geography Standards
- Standard 14: How human actions modify the physical environment
National Science Education Standards
- (5-8) Standard F-2: Populations, resources, and environments
What You’ll Need
Materials You Provide
- Clear cups or bowls
- Colored pencils
- Food coloring
- Markers
- Sponge
- Water
Required Technology
- Internet Access: Required
- Tech Setup: 1 computer per classroom, Projector, Speakers
- Plug-Ins: Flash
Physical Space
- Classroom
Grouping
- Large-group instruction
Background Information
The Mayan Riviera is the 75-mile stretch of Caribbean coastline from the northeastern point of the Yucatan Peninsula southward to the Mayan ruins.
Prior Knowledge
- None
Recommended Prior Activities
- None
Vocabulary
natural sinkhole or reservoir where groundwater is available.
Websites
Funder
This material is based in part upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. DRL-1114251. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
Partner
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Rivers and Streams
Only about three percent of Earth’s water is freshwater. Of that, only about 1.2 percent can be used as drinking water; the rest is locked up in glaciers, ice caps, and permafrost, or buried deep in the ground. Most of our drinking water comes from rivers and streams. From each river’s source, the water meanders through the landscape meeting up with other streams and shaping civilization as we know it. This water is the lifeline of ecosystems around the world. Teach your students about the Earth’s rivers and streams with the resources in this collection.
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Freshwater Ecosystem
Freshwater is a precious resource on the Earth's surface. It is also home to many diverse fish, plant, and crustacean species. The habitats that freshwater ecosystems provide consist of lakes, rivers, ponds, wetlands, streams, and springs. Use these classroom resources to help students explore and learn about these places.
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Human Impacts on the Environment
Humans impact the physical environment in many ways: overpopulation, pollution, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation. Changes like these have triggered climate change, soil erosion, poor air quality, and undrinkable water. These negative impacts can affect human behavior and can prompt mass migrations or battles over clean water. Help your students understand the impact humans have on the physical environment with these classroom resources.
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Aquifers
An aquifer is a body of porous rock or sediment saturated with groundwater. Groundwater enters an aquifer as precipitation seeps through the soil. It can move through the aquifer and resurface through springs and wells.
-
-
Groundwater
Groundwater is water that has infiltrated the ground to fill the spaces between sediments and cracks in rock. Groundwater is fed by precipitation and can resurface to replenish streams, rivers, and lakes.
-
Rivers and Streams
Only about three percent of Earth’s water is freshwater. Of that, only about 1.2 percent can be used as drinking water; the rest is locked up in glaciers, ice caps, and permafrost, or buried deep in the ground. Most of our drinking water comes from rivers and streams. From each river’s source, the water meanders through the landscape meeting up with other streams and shaping civilization as we know it. This water is the lifeline of ecosystems around the world. Teach your students about the Earth’s rivers and streams with the resources in this collection.
-
Freshwater Ecosystem
Freshwater is a precious resource on the Earth's surface. It is also home to many diverse fish, plant, and crustacean species. The habitats that freshwater ecosystems provide consist of lakes, rivers, ponds, wetlands, streams, and springs. Use these classroom resources to help students explore and learn about these places.
-
Human Impacts on the Environment
Humans impact the physical environment in many ways: overpopulation, pollution, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation. Changes like these have triggered climate change, soil erosion, poor air quality, and undrinkable water. These negative impacts can affect human behavior and can prompt mass migrations or battles over clean water. Help your students understand the impact humans have on the physical environment with these classroom resources.
-
Aquifers
An aquifer is a body of porous rock or sediment saturated with groundwater. Groundwater enters an aquifer as precipitation seeps through the soil. It can move through the aquifer and resurface through springs and wells.
-
-
Groundwater
Groundwater is water that has infiltrated the ground to fill the spaces between sediments and cracks in rock. Groundwater is fed by precipitation and can resurface to replenish streams, rivers, and lakes.