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Home and Dry

At home actions to help combat the effects of climate change

Elementary, Middle

Description

This educational animation features Milligan the hedgehog, who explains how simple actions at home can help reduce flooding and support wildlife. Rain that falls on hard surfaces like roofs and driveways quickly runs into drains, which can overwhelm old sewage systems during heavy storms. With climate change causing more intense rainfall, managing rainwater is becoming increasingly important.

The video suggests several practical solutions that homeowners can use. Reducing household water use and collecting rainwater in rain barrels can help prevent excess water from entering the drainage system. Rain gardens planted with species that tolerate wet conditions can absorb rainwater like a sponge while also creating habitats for wildlife. Planting trees, allowing areas of long grass to grow, and using permeable driveways help slow down water and allow it to soak into the ground. Some homes also use green roofs, which are covered with plants that absorb and filter rainwater. The video emphasizes that small actions taken by many people can reduce flood risk, support biodiversity, improve water quality, and help address climate change.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

The resource is most appropriate for grades 4 to 8, as it connects to science and environmental studies topics such as the water cycle, human impacts on the environment, ecosystems, and climate change. This video can be used in the classroom as an introduction to lessons about flooding, water management, climate change, and urban ecosystems. It is an excellent way to begin a discussion about where rainwater goes after it falls in a city and what causes flooding. After watching the video, students can research or design ways their own homes, schools, or communities could reduce flooding and support wildlife.

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

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  • Alberta
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    • Grade 4
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      • Science
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        • Earth Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions.
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        • Earth Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened by investigating natural systems and their interactions.
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        • Earth Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions.
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        • Interactions and Ecosystems
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        • Freshwater and Saltwater Systems
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        • Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment
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        • Life Systems
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        • Water Systems on Earth's Surface
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        • Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment
  • Nova Scotia
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        • Science 4: Habitats
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        • Science 8: Climate Change
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        • Life Systems: Habitats & Communities
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        • Water Systems on Earth
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        • Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment

Themes Addressed

Air, Atmosphere & Climate (2)

  • Climate Change
  • Weather

Ecosystems (1)

  • Biodiversity