YakimaWATERS“5-E”InquiryLesson.docVIP

Yakima WATERS “5-E” Inquiry Lesson Groundwater and surface water interactions using groundwater models In this lesson, students will explore groundwater storage and travel by building a simple model aquifer. Later, students will investigate groundwater/surface water interactions and pollution travel by exploring more complex groundwater simulators. This lesson is suitable for grade 5, but questions can be modified to include grades 6, 7, and 8. Day 1 introduces the aquifer through a 35 minute lesson. Day 2 explores groundwater and pollution travel through the aquifer through a 50 minute lesson. Standards: 4-5 INQF models, 4-5 INQD investigate, Standards Justification 4-5 INQF models: This lesson meets the models standard because students build their own simple aquifer models and later use groundwater models to understand the water cycle and how groundwater and surface water relate and interact. Students will be asked to explain how the groundwater model is different from the real water cycle. 4-5 INQD investigate: Students will record and organize data using appropriate units and tables. Outcomes Knowledge: Students will explain that an aquifer is composed of layers of sediment (gravel, sand, silt, clay) and will describe pore space and aquifer recharge. Students will describe the impact of pumping on the water table. Students will be able to explain that all precipitation does not runoff (a possible pre-conception), and that groundwater is an important part of our watershed. Students will see how pollution (the red food dye) travels through an aquifer – sediments have different permeabilities, allowing the water and pollution to travel at various speeds. Skills: Students will be able to simulate natural processes in a classroom setting with models. Students will be able to measure distances and record travel times to calculate velocities. Students will organize data in tables. Materials and Equipment Day 1 (Engage, Explore, and Explain) Clear cups or