Fifth Graders Debate Water Privatization

In debate with Katie, our fifth graders are preparing for a town hall on the issue of water privatization. If Manhattan Country School was a town, should we sell its water rights to a private company? 

 

They are working in groups to debate from the perspective of different stakeholders, including the town council, concerned citizens, and the water company. 

 

The exercise builds off our social studies lessons on sustainability, New York City’s water supply, environmental justice, and environmental disasters such as the Love Canal Superfund site. 

 

“You have to think about the future,” said Quinn, who is in one of our town council groups. “I enjoy this debate because water rights is a big thing … We’re basically just kids and we’re talking about real events that are happening. I enjoy this class. It’s amazing.”