Objectives
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1. Recognize that population growth and settlement cause changes in land use.
2. Analyze how land use variations in a watershed can affect the runoff of water
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Standards Addressed
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MN Graduation standards - High Level - Environmental Systems
Standard |
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Copies of Maps !, B & C - pp. 229 - 231 in Project Wet, colored pencils or markers, calculator, copies of the chart Area of Land Coverage, page 228 in Project Wet Guide, copies of the chart Volume of Rain and Volume of Runoff, page 228 in Project Wet |
Time Requirement
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Prep: 30 minutes total - Activity: 3 - :45 class periods |
Procedure/ Outline
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1. Discuss the usefulness of maps to teach about past and present land uses.
Option #1: Hand out Maps A, S & C - they represent changes in a watershed over a 100-year period. Using the key, have students designate each land area a color and color each map. Answer the questions that follow on page 225.
Option #2: Students determine the land area of each map and how much area is occupied by each type of land coverage. Students should record their answers in the Area of Land Coverage chart. Complete the activity that follows on pages 225 - 226.
Option #3: Have students determine how the figures in Option 2 were obtained. To determine these figures, complete the Volume of Rain and Volume of Runoff chart (instructions found on page 226.)
Choose one of the activities for Wrap Up and Action on page 227
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Modifications /Adaptions/ Extensions
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1. Have students explore changes in their own community - search historical societies and other agencies for old and current maps.
2. Have students use computer technology to increase their understanding of geographical features through GIS |
Assessment
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1. Compare land area occupied by farms, town, and natural areas in a watershed during different time periods (options 1 & 2.)
2. Describe how surface runoff is influenced by changes in land use (option 2.)
3. Calculate qualities of runoff from different land areas in a watershed (option 3.)
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Other Comments
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I usually do one option per day and collect as a cumulative project after 3 class periods of activity and discussion |
