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Where rainwater goes after the rain stops? And why there are rivers and lakes in some parts of the land but not in others? In this activity, learners will make a model landscape using a plastic bin, sheet of plastic, and markers & food coloring to investigate the movement of water and find out how watersheds are formed. Step-by-step instructions are included with photos along with safety recommendations. Activity guide includes a "What's going on?" explanation and relevant connections to healthy watersheds, runoff, and the effects of pollution.
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- $10 - $20 per group of students
- Ages 6 - adult
- Activity, Model
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- Plastic bin (at least 45 cm long × 30 cm wide × 10 cm deep)
- 10-15 pieces of newspaper or scratch paper
- Thin sheet of plastic, approximately 70 cm × 70 cm (tablecloth or shower curtain)
- Black, blue, and green permanent marker
- Tap water
- Spray bottle filled with water
- Two drinking cups (coffee mug or larger)
- Blue and yellow food coloring
- 30 mL (2 Tbsp) of coffee grounds
- Rags or paper towels for cleanup
- Scissors (optional)
- Liquid measuring cup (optional)
Subjects
-
Earth and Space Science
-
Earth Processes
- Weather and Climate
-
Earth Structure
- Oceans and Water
- Biosphere
-
Earth Processes
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Technology
- Manufacturing
-
Technology
-
Life Sciences
-
Ecology
- Ecosystems
- Human Impact
-
Ecology
Informal Categories
- Nature and Environment
Audience
Learning styles supported:
- Uses STEM to solve real-world problems
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Source Collection
- DIY Science Apps
Rights:
- , The Regents of the University of California, 2015
Funding Source:
- National Science Foundation, DRL1114663