Curated OER
The Movement of Water
Here is an excellent lesson plan on the water cycle and the states in which water exists. Learners identify the features of the water cycle, describe how water changes form, and look at ways that people affect the natural movement of...
Curated OER
The Water Cycle--Model Simulation
Students build a model to simulate parts of the water cycle. They recognize and explain the essential elements of the water cycle.
Curated OER
Exploring the Water Cycle
Students investigate the water cycle. In this water cycle lesson, students create an ecosystem within a 2-liter bottle. Students record scientific observations as they observe the water cycle within their ecosystem.
Curated OER
The Other Water Cycle
Students examine human impacts on the water cycle.  They compare/contrast the permeability of various materials for the purpose of engineering landscape drainage systems, and answer discussion questions.
Curated OER
The Water Cycle
Students are introduced to the components and importance of the water cycle. They are shown how groundwater moves using a model. Students list 9 places on earth where water is found. They define the terms cycle and water cycle.
Curated OER
Water: A Neverending Story
Students investigate the water cycle. In this water cycle science lesson, students participate in a series of activities that demonstrate evaporation, precipitation, and condensation.  Students describe their observations using...
Curated OER
Is the Hudson River Too Salty to Drink?
Students explore reasons for varied salinity in bodies of water.  In this geographical inquiry lesson, students use a variety of visual and written information including maps, data tables, and graphs, to form a hypothesis as to why the...
University of Waikato
Constructing an Aquifer
Rainwater doesn't stay where it falls. Learners use modeling to demonstrate how rainwater disperses once it hits the ground. The activity includes an investigation of the height of the water table in an aquifer and how it is affected by...
Curated OER
Rain, Rain, Where Did You Go?
Students study the water cycle including condensation, evaporation, and precipitation. In this water cycle lesson plan, students watch a video and access assigned web sites to investigate the water cycle. They complete an experiment with...
Curated OER
Runoff with Chunky the Chicken
Students are introduced to the on-farm nutrient cycle, which explains feed to manure, to soil, and back to the feed.  They are introduced to the generation of runoff during rainstorms, and the contents of runoff water are more than water...
Curated OER
Earth: The Water Planet
Students elicit data on the water cycle, ocean topography, and island formation in this six lesson unit. The ocean floor and the properties of water are examined through a variety of discussions and hands-on experiments.
Curated OER
Water Wash
Students define watersheds, ground water and nonpoint source pollution. They describe how rainwater moves on the surface, as well as underground, as part of the water cycle. They recognize what flooding is as well as its causes.
Curated OER
Water: Naturally Cleaned
Students use stream trays covered in different types of rocks or soil to investigate infiltrates and runoff. In this water pollution lesson, students work in groups with stream trays that have different substrates. They write a paragraph...
Curated OER
Structure of the Earth System
Eighth graders describe the steps in the water cycle.  They discuss factors that affect runoff and explain the differences between stalactites and stalagmites.  They discover the importance of ground water.
Texas Instruments
Land Erosion - Running Off With Soil
Learners evaluate the relationship between rainfall and runoff of a small island for one year. In this rainfall vs. runoff lesson, students analyze the relationship between the rainfall and the runoff on Barro Colorado Island over a...
Curated OER
Rainfall Measurement
Pupils are introduced to rainfall measurement and develop a network of rain gauges. Students measure rainfall, plot rainfall maps and calculate total rainfall volumes during rainstorms.
Curated OER
Where Does the Water Around Our School Go?
Pupils in groups, map quadrants of the area around the school and make predictions about the direction of waterflow and zones of accumulation that will occur when it rains.  Then when it does rain they check to see if their prediction...
Curated OER
Identifying Watersheds with Topographic Maps
Middle schoolers model a watershed and delineate one using topographic maps. In this hydrology instructional activity, students use aluminum foil to model a landscape and observe how water moves on it. They also observe the features of a...
Curated OER
Super Stream Keeper's
Students are introduced to Delaware's waterways as precious resources used for drinking water, water for agricultural and industrial uses, recreational areas, and as habitats for wildlife.  They are introduced to wastewater discharges,...
Curated OER
Beyond the Tap
Students explain the basic properties of a watershed including how water flows from higher to lower elevations and how watersheds are interconnected. They comprehend how the placement of buildings, roads, and parking lots can be...
Curated OER
What are the Chemical and Microbiological Effects of Run-off from a Catfish Pond on the Surrounding Soil and Water?
Students study data from a USDA catfish pond. They look for microbial populations and chemical concentrations in the runoff to determine the effectiveness of filter strips. They use their knowledge of biogeochemical cycles to explain the...
Curated OER
Watershed Components
Eighth graders examine the components of a watershed. They view overheads, discuss the hydrologic cycle, and observe a demonstration of a soil erosion box.
Curated OER
Water Quality and Temperature
Young scholars are led through three activities to explore the effect of temperature fluctuations on the growth and survival of aquatic plants, clams, and shrimp eggs.
Curated OER
Exploring Our Watershed System
Students examine how watershed systems are made up, and visit the Susquehanna watershed system and map out the system. They evaluate the order of watercourses in their area.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
