Curated OER
Sample Activity From The Water Sourcebook
Students explore septic system failures and contamination of groundwater. The complete a worksheet to explore the basic parts of a septic system. In a lab situation, students simulate a septic system failure. They explore coliform...
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Playing in mud puddles
Pupils examine the effects of rainfall on different surfaces and discuss water pollution. They review the water cycle and the uses of water in daily lifestyles. Students discuss the effects of soil run off in streams and rivers.
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Engineers for a Sustainable World
Students experiment with making a water filtration system. In this engineering lesson, students get into groups and are challenged to use only eight items to create a water filter. When finished, students compare and contrast their results.
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What's Gotten Into You?
Students use models to investigate the process and consequences of water contamination on the land, groundwater, and plants.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Build Your Own Aquifer
Ever wondered how an aquifer works? Introduce your class to the amazing way many people get water by exploring how underground aquifers work. Two fun hands-on activities are used to help kids understand what an aquifer is, how it works,...
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Who's Down the Well?
Students identify several sources of contaminants to groundwater. They discuss the movement of possible contaminants through that groundwater from outside sources. They describe how environmental engineers analyze contaminants to...
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How Full is Full?
Young scholars 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...
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Where Does All the Water Go?
Students view a demonstration of how groundwater flows and define several related vocabulary terms. They complete a worksheet, participate in discussion and make a poster.
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A Town in Trouble
Students identify and describe the parameters and analytical techniques used to characterize water contamination in a class presentation. They identify the consequences of high contamination levels in the water supply during a class...
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Cholera and the Scientific Method
Five individuals in the class are "infected" with cholera! The rest of the class serves as investigators to discover the source of the outbreak. They test drinking fountains around campus for contamination. You, of course, will secretly...
Teach Engineering
Chromatography Lab
Groups use alcohol and chromatography paper to separate the color components of black ink. The purpose of the activity is to allow the class to become aware that mixtures exist in hidden places.
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Tracking Pollution - A Hazardous Whodunit
Learners read a story problem about the issue of hazardous waste and pollution in a fictional town. In groups, they create a topographical map and predict how the water might flow and determine the place of contamination. To end the...
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What is an Aquifer?
Learners examine how an aquifer operates. They discuss the implications of the groundwater becoming contaminated. They work together to create an aquifer model to observe the connection between surface water and groundwater.
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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...
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Nutrition: It's In Your Hands
Fourth graders use this lesson to focus on their health, nutrition and the state of the environment. In groups, they examine the various types of land, water and air pollutants and compare and contrast a food chain with and without a...
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How Small is It?
Students better understand what a concentration of one part per million means through activities. Students discuss "Maximum Contaminant Level" of a toxic in the water. They measure the classroom to find out how many cubic centimeter...
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Subsurface Contamination of Groundwater
Students evaluate the potential problems associated with underground storage tanks. They research the potential hazards from various subsurface pollutants and simulate a superfund site cleanup.
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"Soil Hide and Seek"
Students comprehend the basics of soil testing. They relate the use of grids and plotting to soil samples. Students comprehend how contaminants flow through soil. They discuss factors such as: slope of the pan, time, and the amount of...
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Is Dilution the Solution To Pollution?
Students demonstrate the meaning of dilution and concentration and how pollution can affect the water that you drink. They perform an experiment to calculate the final concentration and dilution factor of solutions. They record the color...
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What is Groundwater Pollution Doing to the Neighborhood?
Students explore the impact of groundwater pollution on health. They examine the carcinogenic contaminants and their possible sources. Students develop methods to lessen or eliminate the pollutants from the environment.
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Groundwater: Cleaning Up
Students research the various aspects of groundwater contamination that threaten health and human safety. They create a model and display that informs other about the health and safety risks. Students illustrate ways in which these...
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Midnight Dumpers
Students explain how pollution affects ground water. They participate in a simulation to discover the location of an illegal dump. Students explore the monetary benefits, risk and environmental concerns are factors in business decisions.
Carnegie Mellon University
Understanding Electricity Mix Tradeoffs
Use the accompanying presentation and colorful technology sheets to introduce your class to the 10 different energy technologies. Connect kids to an interactive computer tool that allows them to combine different types of power...
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Epidemic, Plague, and Infection
Students recognize disease vectors (pathways) and risk factors for infectious diseases.