By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Describe how the Singapore River has changed or endured since independence.

2. Describe how the transformation from the Singapore River to Marina Barrage reflects Singapore’s approach to sustainability.

3. Explain how the changes to Singapore's waterways contribute or take away from sustainable development.

4. Reflect on how individual and collective actions contribute to a more sustainable Singapore.

Suggested Workflow:

10 minutes: Singapore River through a Historical Lens. (Divide the videos and articles among your group members)

10 minutes: How has Marina Barrage affected our sustainability? (Divide the videos and articles among your group members)

10 minutes: Answer Discussion Questions on Padlet board A

BREAK

30 minutes: Designing a Travel Brochure for 1 1-day trip to Singapore River and Marina Barrage

5 minutes: Save and upload onto Padlet Board B

Part 1 - Singapore River through a Historical Lens

Background Information

The Singapore River has been an important landmark in Singapore since Stamford Raffles first set foot on Singapore.  It has been a hub of economic activity and the centre of Singapore's success. But it has also changed significantly  since the past 60 years since Singapore's independence. Let's take a closer look at what has changed, and what has remained the same!

The Singapore River Clean up

Back in the 1970s, the Singapore River isn't as clean as it was today! The Singapore River clean up lasted into the 1980s, at great cost to Singapore. Watch the videos and read the articles below to learn more!

Pick your group members who love reading to read the following articles for more context!

How has the Singapore River changed from the 1960s to today? 

Part 2 - How has Marina Barrage affected our sustainability?

Background Information

The Marina Barrage is a dam built across Marina Bay in Singapore, completed in 2008. Marina Bay is fed by three major rivers: the Singapore River, Kallang River, and Geylang River. The Barrage serves three primary purposes: providing a water supply, controlling floods, and offering recreational opportunities. By keeping out seawater, the Barrage creates Singapore’s 15th freshwater reservoir — the Marina Reservoir — which collects rainwater from a large urban catchment. It also helps prevent flooding in low-lying areas such as Chinatown and parts of the Central Business District. Beyond its practical uses, the Marina Barrage is a popular spot for family outings, kite-flying, and enjoying scenic views of the city skyline. 

How sustainable is Marina Barrage and the transformation of the Singapore River?
You have already studied environmental sustainability this year. Let's look at another aspect of sustainability in addition to that.

BREAK TIME

Part 3 - Designing a Travel Brochure

Now that you have explored the Singapore River and Marina Barrage, it is time for you to share your knowledge with others!
While Singaporeans might be familiar with both stories, there are many visitors and tourists to Singapore who are unaware of the importance of these two landmarks. Prepare and advertise a Day Tour for these tourists who might be interested in visiting Singapore! 

(A Day tour is a tour that starts in the morning and ends by late afternoon or early evening)

Your Day tour should be advertised using a Travel Brochure. Your Travel Brochure should showcase the following points:

1) How the Singapore River has changed or endured over the past 60 years. 

2) How Singapore's efforts in sustainability have evolved over the past 60 years. 

3) Activities they can do at both locations. What is so significant about each location? 

Your travel brochure should be eye-catching and generate interest among tourists and visitors. A few examples will be listed below for you.