Underground sewage systems

This activity encourages students to think about underground sewage systems in a new way, beyond the traditional "out of sight, out of mind" approach. By using and developing their mathematical process skills in a real-world context, students can gain a better understanding of how sewage is treated and how it can be managed in a sustainable way.

Activity: Underground sewage systems

This starter activity provides an engaging and thought-provoking introduction to a lesson on the link between sewage and underground tunnel systems. It encourages students to think about the role of engineers in designing and constructing these systems and the reasons why different regions require different systems depending on the size of their populations.

How long will this activity take to complete?

This activity will take about 60-90 minutes to complete. Teachers can download the activity sheet below for a detailed lesson plan.

What is sewage?

Sewage is a combination of water and waste products that humans and animals produce. It typically includes human excrement, urine, food scraps, and other waste materials.

Sewage can be either raw or treated. Raw sewage is untreated and can contain harmful bacteria and viruses. Treated sewage has been processed to remove harmful contaminants and make it safe to discharge into the environment.

Sewage is collected through a network of pipes and transported to a sewage treatment plant. At the treatment plant, the sewage is treated to remove harmful contaminants and make it safe to discharge into the environment.

Suggested learning outcomes

By the end of this activity, students will have developed an insight into the representation of large volumes. They will be able to recognise that discrepancies in data can and do exist and develop an understanding of possible causes. They will also be able to determine and select variables and then apply mathematical formulae to solve real-life problems.

Download the free activity sheet below!

All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable so that you can tailor them to your students and your schools' needs.

The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, helpful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in the four devolved UK nations: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

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