Groundwater Modeling

Drew Keller, Educator, Mathematics & Science Center

Developed with funding from the Mathematics & Science Center

Major Understanding

Groundwater is water trapped below the surface of the earth and accounts for two thirds of all readily available drinking water to humans. Groundwater is part of this continuous cycle known as the hydrologic cycle.  The quality of groundwater affects not only our health but also society and the economy.

Objectives

Learn the different groundwater zones including water table, zone of saturation and zone of aeration.

 

 

Analyze the process of groundwater and groundwater models and investigate common problems that can occur with groundwater contamination and withdraw. 

 

Identify the difference between a confined aquifer and an unconfined aquifer.

 

Explain at least two long term consequences of groundwater contamination caused by humans.

 

Explain at least two effects of excessive groundwater withdraw.

Time

PowerPoint Presentation on Groundwater

15 min

Lab Activity: Chesapeake County Groundwater Problem

40 min

Lab Activity: Madison County Groundwater Problem

20 min

PowerPoint Presentation on Groundwater Review

   15 min

Groundwater Assessment

10 min

 

 

 

Materials

For each student:

1 Copy of Worksheet: Chesapeake County Groundwater Problem

1 Copy of Chesapeake County Blocks (6 pages)

1 Copy of Worksheet: Madison County Groundwater Problem

1 Copy of Madison County Blocks (3 Pages)

1 Scissors

1 Glue Stick or Tape

For the class:

1 Computer Projection System (for PowerPoint)

State and National Correlations

Virginia Standards of Learning: Earth Science (ES.9)

National Science Standards:Use technology to investigate and communicate, formulate and revise models, human modifications of ecosystems.

Instructional Strategies

 

1.      Anticipatory Set
Ask the students to take an educated guess how many nations you can travel to and drink water public water without running the risk of drinking contaminated water?  In 1990 the there were 7 and in 2000 they dropped down to 3 nations.

2.      Background Information
Present a mini-lecture using the PowerPoint Presentation on Groundwater.

3.      Key Questions (Checking for Understanding)

  • Explain in your own words your understanding of groundwater.
  • Why would a well be unable to produce water if it was just in the zone of aeration (or unsaturated zone)?
  • What is the invisible boundary that separates the saturated zone from the unsaturated zone called?

4.      Lab Activity: Chesapeake County Groundwater Problem
Give them just the Worksheet: Chesapeake County Groundwater Problem and the copies of Chesapeake County Blocks.  Have the students work in groups of two each cutting out three blocks for a total of six.  Assist them in the beginning stages as they might have difficulty.  After a while display the last slide in the PowerPoint Presentation on Groundwater giving helpful hints to number five on their worksheet.


5.      Lab Activity: Madison County Groundwater Problem
When finished with the first lab have the students pick up the Worksheet: Madison County Groundwater Problem and the copies of Madison County Blocks. 

6.      PowerPoint Presentation on Groundwater Review
Take the time to review the worksheet with the student using the PowerPoint Groundwater Review.

7.      Groundwater Assessment
Give the Groundwater Assessment Quiz to test for understanding. 

Practice

Use the Blank Block Template to create your own Ground water problem.  Be sure to indicate where the saturated zone and unsaturated zone are located.

Closure

Restate the lesson objectives and relate them to the learning experiences. Ask students to state which of the activities helped them learn a major lesson objective. Re-teach if necessary. Encourage continued learning through the extensions and resources.

Extensions

1.      Color your 3D models for Chesapeake and Madison County.

Be sure to create a color legend with your blocks.

2.      Use the internet to research groundwater contamination on the area in which you live.

3.      Bring tap water sample in from your home and have your teacher assist you in testing these samples.  See Ward’s catalog for various water quality test you can order.

Assessment

One sample items are provided for use in accessing students’ understanding:

 

·        Paper-Pencil Test: Groundwater Assessment Quiz

·        Product-Task: Groundwater Modeling Problem

·        Rubric for Product-Task: Groundwater Modeling Problem

 

The following table shows how the assessment items are related to specific objectives.

 

 

Objective

Paper-Pencil Test

Product/
Performance

Learn the different groundwater zones including water table, zone of saturation and zone of aeration. 

1, 2, 3

 

Analyze the process of groundwater and groundwater models and investigate common problems that can occur with groundwater contamination and withdraw. 

4, 5, 6, 7, 10

 

Identify the difference between a confined aquifer and an unconfined aquifer

11

 

Explain at least two long term consequences of groundwater contamination caused by humans.

12

 

Explain at least two effects of excessive groundwater withdraw.

8, 9

 

 

 

 

Teaching Tips

For additional information on teaching this lesson or answer keys, go to the following links:

References

The Water Science Map Gallery. Thematic maps of fresh water usage across the United States.

http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/mapgallery.html


Groundwater atlas of the United States. Groundwater atlas of the United States and links to several USGS sites.

http://capp.water.usgs.gov/gwa/index.html


Groundwater in Virginia. Groundwater in Virginia and links to what makes it unique.

http://www.virginiaplaces.org/watersheds/groundwater.html

Basics of Groundwater. The basics of groundwater and links to resources

http://www.groundwater.com/groundwater_basics.htm

 

Groundwater Data for the Nation. The Ground-Water database contains ground-water site inventory, ground-water level data, and water-quality data.

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/gw


Mathematics & ScienceCenter: Where it all adds up! Web site of the Mathematics & Science Center with variety of information on programs and opportunities for students.

http://mathsciencecenter.info/