Grade: Grade 4

Project Descriptor:

In this project, students explored old African methods of water management without modern technology. They used these historical insights to create an artificial well and a 4 stage water purification model . This helped them understand and apply old water conservation solutions to today’s water scarcity problems. Students embarked on an explorative journey to understand the indigenous methods old African communities used for water sourcing and management. This project dug into the historical, cultural and geographical aspects of water usage in old Africa as well as scientifically aspects of water usage in modern Africa.

This project aimed to educate students on the sustainable water management practices of ancient African communities, enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills through the application of historical methods to current problems and foster creativity, collaboration and communication among students. Ultimately, the project sought to raise awareness about global water issues and inspire innovative solutions for water sustainability.

Subject integration:

Natural Science – water cycle, states of water, basic water filtration and conservation

Social Science – map work: apply map skills to locate and mark historical water management sites within South Africa

Mathematics – measurements, volume and distance

English and Isizulu – reading comprehensions about how old Africans used and accessed water before we had today’s technology

Life skills – drawing in 2D and 3D shape

Excursion

Grade 4 students from our Fleurhof campus delved deeper into their driving question with an educational visit to Klipriviersburg Nature Reserve, exploring how ancient African communities sourced and utilised water. Click here to watch their journey.

View the project exhibitions for each campus below