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Groundwater Basics
Groundwater is an essential natural resource, not to mention a fascinating topic to study. Here is a series of twelve amazing lessons on the water source and how we use it in our daily lives. Concepts require higher math and physics...
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Deep Subjects - Wells and Ground Water
Here is a phenomenal lesson plan on ground water, wells, and aquifers. Young geologists study how water exists underground, how water moves through the soil, and how water is extracted to be used as drinking water. Some excellent...
US Environmental Protection Agency
Role of Plants in Water Filtration
Investigate the amazing ability of plants to filter contaminants from water with this series of in-class demonstrations. After placing six small, potted plants in plastic cups, different solutions and mixtures are poured into them that...
US Environmental Protection Agency
Building an Model Aquifer
With almost half of Americans relying on groundwater supplies, it is more important than ever to protect aquifers from possible contaminants. Working in small groups, young environmentalists explore this problem as they create an aquifer...
US Environmental Protection Agency
A Mock Town Meeting on a Proposed Tank Farm
Intended as a follow up to the Protecting Your Drinking Water activity, young environmentalists use their assessment of the a hypothetical town's water supply to debate the installation of underground chemical storage tanks. With...
US Environmental Protection Agency
Protecting Your Drinking Water
Having a clean, reliable source of drinking water is essential for any community, but in many cases this is easier said than done. Engage young environmentalists in exploring the five factors affecting vulnerability of a groundwater...
US Environmental Protection Agency
Aquifer in a Cup
Young scientists create their very own aquifers in this science lesson on ground water. After learning about how some people get their drinking water from underground wells, young learners use sand, modeling clay, and aquarium rocks to...
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Lithosphere and Groundwater
Focusing on the quality of our water sources, these slides are full of information about the aspects of our soil and groundwater that may affect pollution. The leaching of pollutants and their impact on health is explained. ...
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Water Cycle Worksheets
A website links you to several water cycle worksheets geared toward an upper elementary or middle school level. Diagrams, word search, crossword, and fill-in-the-blank worksheets are available. As an added bonus, there are links to...
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Waters of the Earth
Students make a striking visual display showing the distribution of water on earth.
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Thirsty Rocks: Please "Porous" a Drink!
A simple activity goes a long way in demonstrating the property of porosity to your rock hounds. They will mass a specimen of dry sandstone and then soak it in a pre-measured amount of water. After seven minutes, they once again measure...
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Groundwater as Part of the Water Cycle
Make sure to read through the activity procedures thoroughly before teaching this lesson because the materials list is incomplete. Also, the mentioned worksheets and booklet are not available. However, there is no need to discard this...
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Groundwater Movement
Learners 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.
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Glacial Groundwater
Learners study glacial deposition and groundwater in Dutchess County, new York. They identify the permeability rates in different glacial deposits and relate this information to ground water capacity of sediments found in Dutchess...
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Surface Water and Groundwater
Students examine distribution of water and minerals. In this surface and groundwater instructional activity, students conduct an experiment with fresh and salt water making hypothesis and drawing conclusions about minerals.
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Model of a Well
Students complete an experiment using wire screening, wires, water, sand, and food coloring to compare the relationship of groundwater to wells. In this water lesson plan, students observe and record what they see after they complete the...
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Thirsty Rocks: Please "Porous" a Drink!
Discover what it means when a stone is porous or permeable. In this geology instructional activity, investigate a sandstone and complete a lab exercise which displays how porous and permeable a stone can actually be then measure these...
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Water Table Lab
Students build a water table to show the zones of aeration and the zones of saturation. For this water table lesson plan, students use a beaker with sand and gravel to simulate the Earth's water table. They label the zones of aeration...
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Groundwater Pollution Lab
In this groundwater pollution worksheet, students use a piece of bread to represent the earth, food coloring to represent contaminants in the ground and water to simulate the movement of pollutants with water through the ground. Students...
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Current Groundwater Contamination Research
Learners research the effects of groundwater pollutants on life. They name and describe 1 environmental factor that has an effect on our drinking water. Students read the Water-Groundwater and Pollution Article. They discuss and...
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'Round and 'Round it Goes!
Students discuss and interpret background knowledge on poster copy given on the water cycle. Students complete the included activity sheets using the poster as a reference in small groups. Students identify and name where water can be...
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Where Does it Come From?...Where Does it Go?
Students summarize and illustrate how a water treatment plant and wastewater treatment plant work. Students describe the source of water for their community and the adequacy of groundwater to meet the community's needs. Students also...
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The Wetlands
Fourth graders learn what a wetland is, where they can be found, and what types of plants, animals and characteristic are associated with the wetlands. They also participate in an activity to explore and enhance their knowledge of...
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Testing Your Water
Students perform several water quality tests on groundwater from their area. They use test strips to determine the pH, hardness, alkalinity, nitrates, iron and chloride levels.