Social issue math: statistics + stories = understanding and acting

Presenting statistics is a popular way to introduce a social issue. Numbers, especially large ones, grab students’ attention. But to develop a deeper understanding of human experience and inspire the motivation to help, students need more than numbers.    

The upcoming World Water Day presents an opportunity to explore current statistics related to water and sanitation, while relating this crucial topic to everyday life.

A three-step research activity to try in your classroom:
 
Step One: Challenge students to find current statistics like the ones in the box below. Students can present current statistics, geographical indicators and make the connection between water and related health issues.

• Two million children die each year from infections spread by dirty water or the lack of toilets.[1]
• 1.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water and 2.4 billion people lack access to proper sanitation facilities [2]

Step Two: Challenge students to find more qualitative information, like stories, testimonials, videos or photographs to understand the meaning behind a lack of sanitation – how inaccessibility to water affects daily activities. During discussions the teacher can assist in the linkages between water and sanitation conditions and other issues like education and poverty. 

Here is one example:

According to the United Nations, “Slum dwellers lack one or more of the following: adequate water, sanitation, durable housing, adequate living space indoors and security of tenure. In an urban setting, the lack of adequate water and sanitation often results from overcrowding, rather than having to travel long distances. Public toilets are shared by up to 250 households (as in Nairobi slums) no doubt pose a health hazard. The less obvious, though equally severe consequence, is the toll such conditions takes on women. In slum settlements, it can be a grave loss of dignity for women to use the outdoors as a toilet.” [3]

Secondary civics students will also have the opportunity to make connections between descriptions like the above and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The possibilities for follow-up research projects are endless.

Step Three: Understanding the issue and empathizing with those living in poverty-stricken conditions is a useful tool for motivation. Free The Children’s website provides additional stories related to water and health issues and the Adopt a Village Clean Water campaign is a tangible action young people can take to make a difference.

For additional stories, lessons and activities, educators can download the resource guide “Inspiring a Generation of Youth to Change the World” at:
http://www.freethechildren.com/educator/index.html.

Regards,

Catherine McCauley, M.Ed.
Director of Teacher Development

Free The Children is the largest network of children helping children through education in the world, with more than one million youth involved in our innovative education and development programs in 45 countries. Founded by international child rights activist Craig Kielburger, Free The Children has an established track-record of success, with three nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize and partnerships with the United Nations and Oprah’s Angel Network.