Objectives
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Students will: describe what an aquifer is and how it is a great source for
groundwater. Demonstrate how wells "tap" into aquifers for everyday water use by humans
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Standards Addressed
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Minnesota Grad Standards: Middle Level: Earth & Space Systems: Structure of the Earth System: Soils |
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Lecture notes (ground water, aquifer, soils contributing to aquifer formation,
etc.), toilet paper roll, large coffee can (see through), sand, aquarium/potting
gravel, water
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Time Requirement
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Prep: Students may collect materials, minimal
Activity: 30 minutes |
Procedure/ Outline
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1. Discuss water sources, focus on ground water - where does it come from? (not underground lakes). Define aquifers, how can we get water out of the ground to use?
2.
Place toilet paper roll upright in the middle of the coffee can.
3. Pour a 4 cm layer of gravel on the bottom of the can around the tube.
4.
Pour a 4 cm layer of sand on top of the gravel.
5.
Slowly pour water on the sand until water reaches the top of the sand. Record observations in the tube.
6.
Why does this happen? Discuss pressure differences and how ground water wells are similar
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Modifications /Adaptions/ Extensions
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Must Do's!
1.
Get the groundwater picture (Project WET guide p 136)
2.
North Dakota Groundwater Trunk.
3.
Pre-Activity: Compact and Loose (previous lesson plan).
4.
Place contamination in the sand and see how long it takes to reach the "well".
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Assessment
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1.
This is a simple demonstration activity, but a quick assessment would be to have the students connect the type of soils used and why those soils created an aquifer - are they permeable? Why or why not?
2.
Have the students write a short paragraph describing an aquifer they would describe as "ideal" - what soils would they be and what types of materials would be most suitable to build a well?
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Other Comments
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You may also discuss why some wells need to be deeper than others |
