We can’t wait for your students to read Scope’s May 2018 paired texts, “What If This Was Your Water?” and “Little Miss Flint.” These texts take a powerful look at the ongoing water crisis in Flint, Michigan. The first is an informational text exploring how the crisis began and what is being done about it. The second is an interview with Mari Copeny (“Little Miss Flint”), a young changemaker who is raising her voice to help her city. We’ve collected four engaging resources for your students to explore after they read the article and the interview. Students may then choose from one of the culminating tasks listed at the end of this post.

Guiding Questions

Post these questions in your classroom for students to refer to as they explore the resources:

1. What responsibilities do elected officials have to the people they represent?

2. How should a crisis be handled?

3. Why is access to clean water important?

4. Is access to clean water a human right?

Four resources to keep your students’ learning going:

1. Letters: Read Mari Copeny’s letter to President Obama.
As a class, read the letter that “Little Miss Flint” sent to President Obama. Then read President Obama’s reply.

2. Article: “Michigan will end Flint’s free bottled water program”
As a class, read this CNN article about Michigan’s decision to end Flint’s free bottled water program. Ask students what they think about this decision, how the people of Flint might feel about it, and what people can do to help.

3. Video: “Water and You: The Water Treatment Process”
As class, watch this video to learn more about how water is treated and made safe before it gets to our faucets.

4. Twitter handle: @LittleMissFlint
Follow Mari on Twitter to see what she is doing as an activist and to get updates about the Flint water crisis. 

Four engaging activities to choose from:

For Struggling Readers
In a well-organized paragraph, explain how Mari Copeny has addressed the water problems in Flint.

For Advanced Readers
Use details from both texts to explain whether or not you agree with the following claim: The water crisis in Flint was preventable.

For Artists
Create an infographic about the importance of clean water.

For Activists
Write a letter to Michigan Governor Rick Snyder explaining why you think Flint’s free water bottle program should not end. Use evidence from the article “Michigan will end Flint’s free bottled water program,” at least one of the other resources from above, and the Scope article and interview. You’ll find the Governor’s contact information here, should you choose to send your letter to him.