Lesson 01 – Water in Your Community – Where Does It Come From, Where Does It Go

At a glance

Learning objectives

• 1.1 Describe the water cycle from a local perspective.
• 1.2 Define and diagram their local watershed.
• 1.3 Describe the term "agricultural area" as it might be applied locally, in other areas of their state, and nationally (e.g., cropland, dairy farms, cattle ranches, apple orchards, tree farms, etc.).

Time required

Instruction time for this lesson: 65 minutes if no remedial activities used, longer as needed.

Grade level

9-12

Materials

• Overhead projector or LCD projector
• Glass of drinking water
• SW.1.2.TM.A: PowerPoint Slides – Watersheds
• SW.1.2.AS.A: Activity Worksheet – Mapping Your Watershed
• Topographic map or maps, which include your site and any other maps collected of the area
• Copies of topographic map for each student
• Pencils
• SW.1.2.AS.B: Activity Worksheet – Build Your Own Watershed
• 1 large plastic container (about 1.5'W x 3'L x 1'H)
• 2 lbs. of modeling clay
• 3 lbs. of sand (any type of sand will do)
• 2 lbs. of aquarium gravel
• 1 roll of wax paper (or any other impervious, water repellant surface, tin foil, plastic wrap, etc.)
• 1/4 cup of cocoa mix, iced tea mix or other flavored drink mix (to represent chemicals)
• 1 spray bottle or bucket full of water

Key Terms

Aquifer, Condensation, Discharge, Evaporation, Evapotranspiration, Groundwater flow, Infiltration, Percolation, Precipitation, Recharge, Runoff, Topographic, Transpiration, Watershed