Curated OER
Identifying Watersheds with Topographic Maps
Middle schoolers model a watershed and delineate one using topographic maps. In this hydrology lesson, students use aluminum foil to model a landscape and observe how water moves on it. They also observe the features of a topographic map...
Polar Trec
Where is the World's Water?
Scholars discover the amount of the Earth's water in various locations such as the ocean, ice, the atmosphere, etc. They then make a model of the how much water those percentages represent. Finally, analysis questions bring the concepts...
Curated OER
Catch a Wave
Students study low tides and how to calculate for fresh water. In this ocean science lesson, students pretend they are stranded on an island and must calculate low tide in order to source the fresh water aquifer. Students calculate how...
Curated OER
Splish Splash
Young scholars study drinking water. In this environment lesson plan, students draw the path of drinking water from the place of precipitation to the tap after researching a map and information from the United States Geological Survey...
Curated OER
Groundwater Movement
Students study groundwater movement beneath the surface of the Earth. In this agriculture lesson, students experiment with how water moves through rock materials such as sand, gravel, and clay.
Curated OER
How Full is Full?
Students examine porosity and permeability and relate these concepts to groundwater flow. They use simple materials to conduct a porosity experiment and use the information to understand how environmental engineers decide on the...
Curated OER
Groundwater Detectives
Learners measure the pH of soil samples from a hypothetical site to locate a contaminant spill and will predict the direction of groundwater flow using mathematical modeling. They use the engineering design process to develop...
Curated OER
Inner Space Cavern Cave Field Activity: Drip Rate Analysis
Students compare drip rates at several different locations throughout a cave. They observe, first hand, the heterogeneity in flow paths present in karst aquifers such as the Edwards aquifer.
Teach Engineering
Biological Processes: Putting Microbes to Work
Is there such a thing as useful microbes? Get ready to perform experiments on applying microbes for wastewater treatment. The first installment of the three-part unit provides background information to prepare young engineers for two...
Curated OER
Water-Is There Going to be Enough?
High schoolers research the availability, usage and demand for water in the local area historically and use projections of the availability, usage and demand for water up to the year 2050. They gather data and present the information in...
Curated OER
One Part A Mini Lab: Water Contamination
Young scholars investigate the effects of ground water contamination. In this ground water contamination lesson plan, students create a mini well and simulate ground water flow through the well with a contaminate (food coloring). They...
Curated OER
Water Use: Tragedy in the Owens River Valley
Students examine water management issues. In this environmental issues lesson, students watch a PBS video to develop an understanding of watershed, aquifers, and ground water. Students evaluate watershed issues in the Owens River Valley...
Curated OER
Water Cycle
Students identify the different stages in the water cycle. For this earth science lesson, students calculate the residence time of water in oceans using a mathematical formula. They explain how this cycle regulates the Earth's climate.
Curated OER
Generating Power
Students construct a working model of a turbine and explain how water generates power. By the end of the lesson plan, they list the effects of Kingsley Dam on people, plans, and animals -- both positive and negative.
Curated OER
Scavenger Hunt
Young scholars participate in a science-themed scavenger hunt. In this science overview lesson, students search the school grounds for various objects, such as an insect, a sedimentary rock, and a form of sugar.
Curated OER
"Wet" Your Appetite: Conserving Water
Students investigate how water is utilized in producing food. For this agriculture lesson, students examine how much water goes into the creation of their daily menu. Students create a new menu that can conserve water and cut their water...
Curated OER
Surface Water and Groundwater
Students examine distribution of water and minerals. In this surface and groundwater lesson, students conduct an experiment with fresh and salt water making hypothesis and drawing conclusions about minerals.
Curated OER
Applied Science - Built Environment Lab
Learners evaluate trash. In this Science lesson, students collect and weigh trash from their classrooms. Learners categorize the trash and the corresponding weights, recording the information on a data sheet.
Curated OER
PA Watersheds, Many Ways to the Sea
High schoolers examine the water cycle and the factors that interact with watersheds. In this watersheds instructional activity students describe the purification process, trace the flow of infiltrate water through aquifers, and...
Curated OER
The Water Cycle
Young scholars develop a better understanding of the need to conserve our renewable resources. In this water cycle lesson students take notes, complete a guide sheet and illustrate the water cycle.
Curated OER
The"Dirt" on Soil
Students examine the three different types of soil and their physical properties. In this soil lesson students design and implement a model of a water treatment plant.
Curated OER
Is Your Water Clean?
Students compare water quality of different sources. They test water samples for odor, phosphates, pH, bacteria, and dissolved solids. they fill out a data table and answer questions about their findings.
Curated OER
"Tri-County" Project--Well in a Cup
Students construct a model of a well to identify how water is brought to the surface. Signs of pollution are investigated.
Curated OER
Water Regulations and Policies
Students discuss, examine and review copies of their local Water Quality Reports. They discuss state laws regarding water quality regulations and how water planning groups decisions impact aquifers. They describe the pros and cons of the...