New Dimension Media

The fair distribution of water has long been a worldwide problem, and it is one that the United States may increasingly experience in the future. The Great Lakes contain 20% of the world’s fresh surface water, but that water is currently available to only a small portion of the U.S population.

Drinking polluted water can cause many deadly diseases, especially in children of poor countries around the world. We see the crystal-clear water in a flowing Peruvian rainforest river but are amazed to learn that it is unsafe, due to runoff entering the great connected network of tributaries that flow into the Amazon, the world’s largest source of fresh water.

Despite its wonders, Earth's water cycle does not spread water evenly around the planet. The Ogallala Aquifer’s huge underground reservoir of water gives the relatively dry Central Plains states such as Nebraska a large but limited irrigation source. But the aquifer's water is being used up faster than it is beng replenished.

In answering the question, "Why do people work," introduces key economic concepts such as wants, needs, money, economy, goods, services, importing, exporting, etc. Provides a contrast between manufacturing and agricultural communities and the representative jobs in each. Explains that Detroit is a typical manufacturing community that exports manufactured products all over the world.