Grade Levels: K-12
Objective: Educate students about the sources and effects of groundwater contamination and the role of wetlands in water purification.
Resources: EPA lesson materials, water testing kits (if applicable), visual aids showing contamination sources.
Lesson Details:
- Introduction (10 minutes): Define groundwater and discuss common pollutants found in it.
- Activity 1: Pollution Simulation (20 minutes): Students simulate groundwater contamination by adding colored dyes to water flowing through different types of soils and materials, observing how pollutants can seep into water sources.
- Activity 2: Wetlands as Filters (25 minutes): Demonstrate or discuss how wetlands can naturally filter some of these contaminants from water, using models or videos.
- Conclusion (15 minutes): Summarize the role of wetlands in maintaining clean groundwater and discuss what can be done to protect these vital ecosystems.
Assessment: Students are evaluated based on their engagement in the simulation and their understanding of the concepts discussed, as reflected in a short quiz or group discussion.
More information and resources are available in the EPA’s groundwater education materials (US EPA).