Groundwater Model
Groundwater Model
Appropriate for Grades: 4-12
Learning Standards Covered: 7.ESS.1, High School: ENV.ES.4, ENV.ER.3
Program Length: 20-45 minutes
Recommended Group Size: 30 students or less per presentation
Vocabulary: groundwater, pollution, contained aquifer, uncontained aquifer, artesian well, sand, silt, clay, pore space, spring, underground storage tank, septic tank, well, aquitard, occlusive layer
Learning Objectives
- Observe the basic concepts of groundwater flow
- Understand different ways that humans can cause groundwater pollution
- Understand some of the ways to prevent groundwater pollution
Program Description
Students observe a model of groundwater which demonstrates groundwater flow and pollution potential. The model is a cross-section of a soil profile, highlighting the different textures which make up our soil. A pump moves water through the model. Dye is added to the model to demonstrate water flow and to simulate various types of groundwater pollution.
