Jump to this Video »
The Colorado River: Lifeblood for the American Southwest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1saEohWiNE

9NEWS

For more than 100 years the Colorado River's water has been split between seven states, Native American tribes and Mexico thanks to a compact that experts say was written using outdated data. This video describes the situation and how it is being addressed.

Video length is 12:12

Learn more about Teaching Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness»


Grade Level

Regional Focus

Online Readiness

Topics

Climate Literacy

This Video builds on the following concepts of Climate Literacy.

Click a topic below for supporting information, teaching ideas, and sample activities.

Notes From Our Reviewers The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials
Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy | Technical Details

Teaching Tips

  • This might be a good video for both science and social studies classes. For another perspective on Colorado River water use, consider watching this video.

About the Content

  • This video explores how climate change is impacting the Colorado River and those that rely on it.
  • It highlights how farmers are adapting by growing drought-tolerant crops for biofuel, and how changes in the snowpack affect the water levels of the Colorado River.
  • The video also explains how outdated water rights that were established in 1922 are being adjusted in light of the changing demands and river conditions.
  • Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.

About the Pedagogy

  • This video can be used to learn about water issues and agricultural use of water in the US Southwest.
  • It can also be a good discussion for social studies classes to talk about politics and how governments make decisions based on scientific information.

Technical Details/Ease of Use

  • Video can be viewed on YouTube.
Entered the Collection: April 2025 | Last Reviewed: January 2025

Jump to this Video »